Infantino defends FIFA investment plan amid mounting backlash
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has defended the controversial plan to create a private subsidiary for commercial rights of the World Cup, calling it an opportunity, not an obligation. The plan aims to raise $4.2 billion by selling minority stakes, with each member association promised $40 million if they approve by September 19.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino on Wednesday defended the controversial proposal to launch a private subsidiary to exploit the commercial benefits of the World Cup, calling it "an opportunity but not an obligation." In a video released amid fierce backlash, he argued that too little of football's commercial value reaches the parts of the game that need it most.
World football's governing body said Tuesday it would retain a majority share in FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) but hoped to raise $4.2 billion later this year by "carefully selecting long-term investors who will purchase minority, non-controlling interests." Various media reported that Infantino sent a letter to FIFA's member associations promising each $40 million if they back the plan, with a deadline of September 19.
Infantino said FFE is a proposal, part of a democratic consultation process, and "an opportunity but not an obligation." He described it as a "golden opportunity to turbocharge the development of the game globally." The proposal is conditional on a democratic vote of FIFA's 211 member associations and approval by the 38-member FIFA council.
However, the plan has drawn widespread criticism. UEFA said it "crosses a line," stating that "the soul and governance of football are not assets to trade — especially with zero transparency as to who gains financially." The European Union's Sport Commissioner, Glenn Micallef, posted on X: "Hands off our game!" CONCACAF expressed "deep concern" about the lack of due process, while the Asian Football Confederation said it was "disappointed" not to have been consulted.
The Times reported that Infantino, 56, could profit from the scheme by becoming commissioner of FFE after his expected next term expires in 2031. FIFA denied this. Discussions have started with financial advisors and potential investors, including Thrive Capital and JP Morgan Chase. The plan has been compared to the failed European Super League, with one source calling it "potentially much worse."
