FIFA Responds to Backlash: "Nobody Is Selling Football"
After UEFA, Concacaf, and the AFC rejected its controversial proposal, FIFA has defended Gianni Infantino's plan, insisting it has no intention of selling or privatizing football.
FIFA Breaks Its Silence Amid Growing Controversy
Following public opposition from UEFA, Concacaf, and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) to the FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) project, FIFA has issued a statement defending the initiative and rejecting claims that it intends to privatize the FIFA World Cup or any of its flagship competitions.
The governing body argued that several media reports have misrepresented the proposal and stressed that the project's objective is to strengthen football development worldwide without altering FIFA's governance structure.
"Nobody is selling football. This is not something FIFA would ever entertain," the organization said in its official statement.
FIFA Promises Millions for Member Associations
As part of its effort to win support, FIFA announced that each of its 211 member associations would receive $20 million through the FIFA Forward Development Programme between 2027 and 2030, regardless of their position on the proposal.
In addition, FIFA unveiled a voluntary FIFA Fast Forward Programme, under which every member association could receive another $20 million in funding backed by external investment.
According to FIFA, the additional resources would help federations invest in football development without affecting the governance or ownership of its flagship competitions.
FIFA Defends the Democratic Process
The governing body also responded to criticism from confederations that claimed they were not properly consulted, arguing that no regional organization can speak on behalf of all 211 FIFA member associations.
FIFA insisted that every federation will have the opportunity to review the proposal, request amendments, and cast its own vote during the consultation process.
It also emphasized that the current proposal is only the starting point for discussions and could still be modified before any final decision is made.
The Future of the Project Remains Uncertain
Despite FIFA's attempt to calm the controversy, Gianni Infantino continues to face an uphill battle. The combined opposition of UEFA, Concacaf, and the AFC represents a bloc of 143 member associations, placing the proposal's approval in serious doubt.
FIFA confirmed that if the project fails to receive majority support from its member associations, FIFA Forward Enterprise will not be created, and the organization's commercial operations will continue exactly as they do today.
The commercial future of the FIFA World Cup will now depend on the upcoming consultation process and whether Infantino can regain enough support to move the proposal forward.
