ROME (ITALPRESS) – The FIFA Forward Enterprise project has already come to an end. Gianni Infantino, the head of world football, announced the news overnight, explaining that the plan to create a company open to external private investors—tasked with managing commercial rights for competitions, including the World Cup—“will not go ahead.” According to Infantino, “The FIFA Forward Enterprise project was conceived to lay the groundwork for further strengthening FIFA-affiliated associations and our sport globally, especially in countries where support is most needed. And, as we stated from the start, the intention was to do so only with the backing of the majority of FIFA-affiliated associations and always within a consultation process involving them, the FIFA Council, the confederations, and other stakeholders.”
Opposition expressed by the confederations—UEFA in particular—and by some senior figures within the international federation played a significant role: “After carefully listening to all opinions, it became clear that the project created divisions of such a nature that, regardless of the level of support, they are no longer compatible with the original objective. Our goal has always been, and always will be, to unite and improve. Consequently, this proposal will not go ahead,” stated Infantino. “Looking ahead, my intention is to bring all stakeholders together in the coming days and weeks in a spirit of shared interest in our game, with the aim of continuing to grow football everywhere, particularly in those countries that most need our support,” concluded the FIFA President.
– Photo: IPA Agency –
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