FIFA President Gianni Infantino has defended a controversial proposal to bring private investors into a new commercial subsidiary controlling the organisation’s competitions and business operations, calling it a “golden opportunity” to accelerate football development worldwide.
The plan has prompted widespread criticism since it was revealed on Tuesday, with opponents warning that it could give private investors influence over competitions, including the World Cup.
“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,” Infantino said in a video released Wednesday evening.
“It is a golden opportunity to turbocharge the development of the game globally. But again, it is just an offer, not an obligation.”
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Commercial structure
Under the proposal, FIFA Forward Enterprise would consolidate FIFA’s commercial rights, including broadcasting, sponsorship, ticketing and licensing, with the organisation of its tournaments.
