Infantino Defends FIFA Plan Amid Global Backlash

(FIFA President Gianni Infantino. Photo by Vanguard News)

Gianni Infantino, president of FIFA, stated on Wednesday that the planned establishment of a private company to take use of the World Cup’s commercial advantages was “an opportunity but not an obligation.”

Infantino defended the concept, arguing that too little of football’s economic value reached the elements of the game that need it most.

The proposal to sell stakes in FIFA’s major events caused shock and indignation throughout the world when it was disclosed on Tuesday.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has defended the FIFA Forward Enterprise proposal, describing it as an opportunity rather than an obligation for member associations.

In a video released on Wednesday evening, Infantino explained that the initiative, referred to as FFE, was essentially a proposal and an offer forming part of a democratic consultation process, stressing that it represented an opportunity but not an obligation.

He described it as a golden opportunity to turbocharge the development of football globally, while reiterating that it remained merely an offer rather than something imposed on member associations.

He insisted the proposal was centred on unlocking previously uncaptured commercial value and stressed that it was conditional on a democratic vote by FIFA’s 211 member associations, as well as approval by the FIFA council.

He explained that capturing such value required additional expertise and insight distinct from the governance and development of the sport.

Adding that the initiative would simply commercialise and organise all FIFA-owned competitions, along with sponsorship, broadcast, licensing and new ventures, for the benefit of the 211 member associations.

Infantino maintained that the game itself would not change and that fans would ultimately be happier, adding that supporters everywhere in the world stood to gain immeasurably from the initiative’s game-changing potential, as it would transform football in their respective countries.