FIFA president Gianni Infantino has defended his controversial plan to sell stakes in the World Cup, insisting that fans would benefit enormously from the proposal despite widespread condemnation from leading figures and organisations in football.
Infantino's pitch to football nations
Infantino has faced heavy criticism following a World Cup marred by corruption allegations and rule-breaking. Now, in a move seen as a major money grab, he is seeking to sell stakes in FIFA's flagship competitions. He claims the deal would raise billions for reinvestment into the sport, but auctioning off World Cup assets has been poorly received.
In a video released on Wednesday, Infantino outlined his proposal: "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. It is a golden opportunity to turbocharge the development of the game globally. But again, it is just an offer, not an obligation."
Commercial value and fan benefits
Infantino argued that the plan would unlock "previously uncaptured commercial value" while stressing it would be subject to a democratic vote by FIFA's 211 member associations and approval by the FIFA council. However, he has also threatened to withhold funding from associations that do not back the idea.
"Capturing that value requires additional expertise, additional insight, distinct from governing and developing the sport. 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 said. Appealing directly to fans, he added: "Fans from everywhere in the world would gain immeasurably from this game-changing potential because it will transform football in their countries."
UEFA backlash and boycott threat
UEFA has been vocal in its opposition and is holding a crisis meeting of its 55 member associations to decide on a response. The European associations are expected to discuss a range of actions, including a possible boycott of FIFA tournaments. Many leading figures in European football view Infantino's proposal as a bribe to national associations.
Infantino has given national associations 53 days to sign up for the plan or face financial repercussions.
