FIFA president Gianni Infantino has defended the governing body’s proposal to create a private subsidiary that would manage and expand the commercial value of the FIFA World Cup and other major competitions. The proposal drew strong reactions after details emerged earlier this week, with concerns raised over the possibility of selling stakes in FIFA’s biggest tournaments.
Responding to the criticism, Infantino stressed that the proposal remains under consultation and has not been made mandatory for FIFA’s member associations.
In a video released on Wednesday, the FIFA president said, “FIFA Forward Enterprise, or FFE, is actually a proposal, an offer. It’s part of a democratic process – a consultation process – and, above all, it is an opportunity but not an obligation.”
Gianni Infantino has addressed the reports surrounding FIFA’s pursuit of selling a stake in the World Cup’s commercial rights. He said the objective is to strengthen the tournament’s long term growth while preserving FIFA’s control over the competition. pic.twitter.com/SHoOP3taVk
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“It is a golden opportunity to turbocharge the development of the game globally. But again, it is just an offer, not an obligation,” he further added.
Infantino says proposal aims to unlock football’s commercial value
According to Infantino, the objective is to generate greater commercial returns from FIFA-owned competitions and ensure that more of those revenues are directed towards football development around the world.
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He explained that the initiative is designed to tap into commercial opportunities that have not yet been fully realised.
“Capturing that value requires additional expertise, additional insight, distinct from governing and developing the sport,” he said.
Infantino added that the proposed entity would focus on the business side of FIFA competitions while allowing the governing body to continue overseeing the sport itself.
“It would simply commercialise and organise all FIFA-owned competitions along with sponsorship, broadcast, licensing and new ventures for the benefit of FIFA’s 211 member associations,” he added.
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Member associations and FIFA Council to decide
The FIFA president made it clear that the proposal cannot move forward without approval from the organisation’s governing bodies. He said the plan would only be implemented if it receives backing through FIFA’s democratic decision-making process.
Infantino noted that FIFA’s 211 member associations, along with the FIFA Council, would have the final say on whether the proposal is adopted.
By presenting the plan as an optional initiative rather than a compulsory change, FIFA has sought to reassure stakeholders that the decision remains in the hands of its members.
Infantino says fans would benefit from the initiative
Infantino also argued that supporters across the world would ultimately benefit if the proposal is approved. He believes increased commercial revenues could strengthen football development in different countries without altering the sport itself.
Addressing concerns over the future of the game, he said, “fans from everywhere in the world would gain immeasurably from this game-changing potential because it will transform football in their countries.”
The proposal continues to be discussed within FIFA, with member associations expected to play a central role in determining whether the commercial venture moves ahead.
FAQs
What is FIFA’s new commercial proposal?
FIFA has proposed creating a private subsidiary to manage and grow the commercial value of its competitions, including the World Cup.
Is FIFA’s commercial proposal mandatory?
No. Gianni Infantino said it is only a proposal and would require approval from FIFA’s member associations and the FIFA Council.
