The last few days have been very hectic in the world of football. Gianni Infantino, President of FIFA, has launched a sale of World Cup shares to private investors. A decision which sparked strong protests from many countries, even entire confederations: UEFA (Europe), AFC (Asia) and CONCACAF (North and Central America). There were strong criticisms and gestures within the football body itself. This led to a withdrawal from the project, announced in an official press release by the manager.
Statement attributable to the FIFA President The FIFA Forward Enterprise project was intended to provide a basis for further strengthening our FIFA Member Associations and our sport worldwide, especially in those countries where support is most needed. And more so, as we said from the outset, to do this only if a majority of the FIFA Member Associations were in support and always subject to a consultation process with them, the FIFA Council, the Confederations and wider stakeholders.
Having listened carefully to all the views, it has become clear that the project has created divisions of a nature that, regardless of the level of support, are no longer in the interest of the objective set out in the first place. Our purpose has always been – and will always be – to unite and improve. As a result, this proposal will not proceed.
Moving forward, my intent is to bring all interested parties back together in the coming days and weeks in the spirit of shared interest in our game, and with the objective to continue growing football everywhere, particularly in those countries that mostly need our support.
The statement attempts to smooth things over, but Infantino cannot make people forget his proposal or the extent to which it was rejected. This latest idea has sent shockwaves through the football world, and his presidency appears genuinely at risk ahead of next year’s elections—even though there is currently a lack of challengers.
This was evidently a step too far, coming on top of earlier criticisms. Significant uncertainty remains regarding the 2030 World Cup and whether additional countries will be included. Major decisions lie ahead; for now, the priority is to calm tensions and clarify the path forward for football.
