Infantino defends his project: “Football must be strengthened; it is a natural step”
FIFA president insists the governing body will remain in full control of the sport even if its proposed commercial overhaul is approved.
Gianni Infantino has defended FIFA’s controversial proposal to create FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), arguing that the plan would strengthen soccer around the world while keeping the governing body firmly in control of the game.
In comments released by FIFA, Infantino stressed that the proposal is only the beginning of a consultation process and would require the approval of FIFA’s 211 member associations and the FIFA Council before moving forward.
“FIFA Forward Enterprise, or FFE, is really a proposal, an offer. It is part of a democratic process, a consultation process, and above all it is an opportunity, but not an obligation,” Infantino said. “If, and only if, it is approved by the majority of our 211 Member Associations and the FIFA Council, it would become a FIFA-owned and FIFA-controlled subsidiary that would consolidate FIFA’s commercial and event operations.”
Under the proposal, FFE would oversee the commercial side of FIFA competitions, including sponsorships, broadcast rights, licensing and ticketing, while FIFA says it would retain exclusive authority over governance, competition rules and all sporting decisions.
“The natural next step” for soccer
Infantino argued that football’s commercial growth has not benefited every part of the game equally and said FIFA needs additional commercial expertise to unlock more value.
“Too little of football’s growing commercial value reaches the parts of the game that need it most. Capturing that value requires additional expertise and capabilities beyond those needed to govern and develop the sport,” he said.
“FIFA has transformed over the last decade through sweeping governance reforms and major expansion of development and competitions. Strengthening the commercial side of football is the natural next step in that evolution.”
According to FIFA, the proposal would increase Forward funding for each member association from $8 million to $20 million during the next funding cycle, with additional optional funding available through the proposed FIFA Fast Forward Program.
“More money means more opportunity”
Infantino said increased funding would translate into better facilities, stronger national teams and greater opportunities for young players around the world.
“More revenue for member associations means more investment in better pitches, stronger national teams and more opportunities for young people across the world.”
He pointed to nations such as Cape Verde, Curaçao, Jordan and Uzbekistan, all of which qualified for the FIFA World Cup for the first time after receiving support through the FIFA Forward program.
“We want to help create the next Cape Verde,” Infantino said, arguing that greater investment could transform soccer in countries around the world.
Despite the proposed commercial changes, Infantino insisted FIFA’s role as the governing body of world soccer would remain unchanged.
“FIFA continues to govern football without any external interference. And the flagship competition we organize, the FIFA World Cup, will always remain under FIFA’s control.”
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