FIFA has officially announced it is dropping its plans to allow private investors to buy stakes in major competitions after facing intense backlash. FIFA President Gianni Infantino stated that the controversial project had “created divisions” within the football community. Just a few months back, in late July, FIFA had proposed a plan that aimed to increase funding for its 211 member associations through a new subsidiary dedicated to managing its commercial operations and events, including the prestigious World Cups. This initiative, called FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), was supposed to tap into what Infantino described as the sport’s “remarkable commercial values.”
However, the decision to shelve this proposal comes after significant criticism from various quarters. Infantino mentioned that going forward, FIFA would collaborate with its associations and other confederations to “devise a plan” that would be more transparent and beneficial for the game. UEFA didn’t hold back in expressing its concerns, stating, “We cannot keep going on like this with secret schemes on fast track timescales, cooked up by faceless individuals and of dubious benefit to the game.” They further emphasized that “the World Cup cannot be treated as an investment product.”
The Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) also expressed strong disapproval of the investment plan. They called for “greater transparency and proper governance,” standing in solidarity with UEFA in their serious concerns regarding FIFA’s proposal. FIFA’s chief operating officer criticized the investment plan, labeling it as “the project of one person.”
Adding to the woes, Infantino has been under fire for FIFA’s management of various incidents related to the upcoming 2026 World Cup, which will be held across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. One of the most talked-about issues was the controversial decision to lift a ban on USA striker Folarin Balogun, which had sparked a wave of criticism.
So, what’s next for FIFA? The governing body of football must now navigate through this turmoil, aiming to regain trust from its member associations and the global football community. Will they succeed in crafting a more transparent and inclusive strategy? The world is watching closely…
Kaynak: Orijinal Haber