FIFA President Gianni Infantino has announced that he is abandoning the idea of selling part of the commercial rights to the FIFA World Cup to outside investors.
He emphasized that the project had created disagreements that ran contrary to its original objectives.
In an official statement, Infantino explained the reasons behind his decision.
The “FIFA Forward Enterprise” (FFE) project was intended to lay the foundation for further strengthening our member associations and our sport globally, particularly in countries where support is needed the most.
In addition, as we stated from the very beginning, this could only be achieved with the support of the majority of FIFA’s member associations and always after consultations with them, the FIFA Council, the confederations, and the broader group of stakeholders.
Infantino acknowledged that, after carefully listening to all opinions, it had become clear that the initiative had caused serious divisions.
“It became clear that the project had created disagreements of such a nature that, regardless of the level of support, it no longer serves the interests of the original objective. Our goal has always been, and always will be, to unite and to improve. For that reason, the proposal will not be implemented.
“In the coming days and weeks, I intend to bring together all stakeholders in the spirit of our shared commitment to football and with the aim of continuing its development everywhere, especially in the countries where our support is needed the most.”
UEFA Led the Opposition
UEFA was the first organization to oppose Infantino’s project, entering into conflict with FIFA over the issue during the World Cup, while the football associations of Africa, North America, and Central America later followed UEFA’s decision.
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Source: Sportal Foto: EPA