The Premier League has declared its opposition to Gianni Infantino's plan to create a private investment vehicle for FIFA's commercial rights, siding with the European Leagues in a dispute that threatens to split world football.
Infantino's proposal
The FIFA president recently outlined a scheme to establish a subsidiary called 'FIFA Forward Enterprise', backed by Joshua Kushner, co-owner of Thrive Capital and brother of Jared Kushner, son-in-law of President Donald Trump. The venture would consolidate the sale of FIFA's commercial rights under one roof.
Infantino has communicated to FIFA's 211 member nations that if they support his proposal by September 19, they will each receive around £30 million, while those who oppose will receive much less. His vision is to create a $20 billion (£15 billion) subsidiary, with 20% owned by investors, which would then run FIFA's competitions, including the World Cup and Club World Cup.
Opposition from European bodies
The FA and UEFA oppose the plan. UEFA is set to gather its 55 member nations to discuss next moves, which could include a boycott of FIFA competitions. The Premier League has expressed solidarity with the European Leagues' statement hitting out at the plan, saying: "The Premier League is a founder member of the European Leagues and fully supports this statement."
The European Leagues statement declared: "FIFA's announcement that its President is pursuing private investment options for a new subsidiary, consolidating its commercial and event-related operations, represents a reckless and divisive development for world football. The World Cup should not be for sale."
Statement details
The statement continued: "It is not FIFA President's private equity asset. Its value is created day in and day out by leagues, clubs, players and supporters who are being left without a voice or a vote on this matter. European Leagues firmly reject this proposal. Football's success has always been built on a pyramidal open structure and the delicate balance between domestic and international football. Commercial opportunities must support these foundations, not risk altering them."
It added: "This opaque process and unilateral proposal are part of a long-term pattern in FIFA's decision-making – a pattern which prompted the European Leagues to lodge a complaint with the European Commission on the basis that FIFA's imposition of decisions on the international match calendar constitutes an abuse of dominant position that violates European competition law."
Backing from some quarters
Despite the opposition, Czech Football Association president David Trunda has voiced his support for Infantino's scheme, saying: "I can see the pragmatic benefits for Czech football from working in close co-operation with Gianni Infantino and his team. Of course we need more details, but my personal point of view is that I can see the positive impact of FIFA's intentions."
UEFA president Alexander Ceferin is expected to rally European nations, following demands for a widespread boycott in reaction to the proposal.
