UEFA and Concacaf have intensified pressure on FIFA president Gianni Infantino after football's world governing body gave its 211 member associations a 53-day deadline to support a controversial plan that would allow private investors to buy minority stakes in a new company controlling the commercial rights to the FIFA World Cup and other major tournaments.

The dispute centres on FIFA's proposed FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), a new FIFA-owned subsidiary that would manage commercial activities such as broadcasting rights, sponsorships, ticketing and licensing. FIFA says the initiative could unlock more than US$10 billion in development funding for football worldwide while allowing the organisation to retain full control over governance and sporting decisions. According to FIFA, the company could be valued at around US$20 billion, with up to 20% in minority, non-controlling stakes offered to external investors.

However, the proposal has sparked a growing backlash across world football, with critics accusing FIFA of attempting to commercialise the sport without proper consultation.

UEFA on Wednesday launched a fresh attack on the plan after reports emerged that member associations had until September 19 to sign up or lose access to a one-off funding package being offered under the proposal.

"Today we have learned of FIFA's deadline to associations to support their proposals or have the one-off payout offer withdrawn. This says everything you need to know about this plan," UEFA said in a statement.

The European governing body added that it had consulted stakeholders across the game and found "significant and growing opposition" to the proposal.

"FIFA cannot continue to use our sport to enrich themselves and their friends. We can grow the game correctly. It's time to prioritise associations, clubs, leagues, players and fans," UEFA said.

Concacaf, the governing body for football in North and Central America and the Caribbean, also expressed concern, saying it only became aware of the proposal through media reports and a subsequent FIFA media release.

In its statement, Concacaf criticised the lack of consultation and due process, saying it was disappointed that details had been released publicly before discussions with football stakeholders and governance bodies.

"Collectively, FIFA, the Confederations and every Member Association have a responsibility to always act in the best interests of the sport. Every decision we make must be guided by good governance, robust processes and long-term stewardship," Concacaf said.

The controversy erupted after reports published by The Guardian and Reuters detailed FIFA's plans and the growing resistance from football associations and confederations. Reuters reported that UEFA, the English Football Association and several European federations were unhappy with what they described as a lack of transparency and stakeholder engagement. The Guardian reported that FIFA had offered member associations significant financial incentives if they backed the proposal before the September deadline.

FIFA argues that the initiative would dramatically increase development funding available to national associations. Under the proposal, each member association could receive an optional immediate payment of US$20 million through a new Fast Forward Programme, while future FIFA Forward funding would increase substantially over the coming years. FIFA says the objective is to strengthen infrastructure, coaching, grassroots football, women's football and national teams across the globe.

However, opponents fear the move could fundamentally change the governance of world football and open the door to excessive commercial influence over the sport's most valuable asset.