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๐Ÿ‡ป๐Ÿ‡ช Venezuela /Economy & Trade

Conmebol seeks FIFA clarifications on Infantino's FFE project

From El Nacional · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Conmebol has requested clarifications from FIFA regarding the proposed FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) project, which aims to change how FIFA tournaments are marketed.
  • While not rejecting the project outright, Conmebol's request for more details indicates hesitation, mirroring concerns raised by other confederations like UEFA, Concacaf, and AFC.
  • The FFE initiative has faced significant pushback, including the resignation of a key advisor to FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who opposed the plan.

Conmebol has officially asked FIFA for more information about the proposed FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) project, a plan by President Gianni Infantino to alter the marketing of major tournaments like the World Cup. The South American football confederation stated on July 31 that it sought additional details on the project's scope, structure, governance, and potential impacts.

While Conmebol has not rejected the FFE, its request for clarification signals a cautious approach. This stance aligns with other confederations that have expressed reservations. UEFA has outright rejected the proposal, stating "the World Cup is not for sale." Concacaf and the AFC voiced frustration over learning about the project through the media rather than official channels and supported UEFA's position. The CAF, however, indicated it would evaluate the proposal, expressing openness to ideas that could increase resources for African football.

el Mundial no estรก a la venta

โ€” UEFAStating their rejection of the FIFA Forward Enterprise project.

The FFE initiative has already generated controversy. FIFA maintains its position, stating it will continue consultations to ensure member associations can vote based on facts, attributing some issues to "erroneous press information." However, Carlos Cordeiro, a senior advisor to Infantino, resigned on July 31, stating he had "no involvement whatsoever" and "categorically oppose[d]" the plan, calling it a "bad deal for FIFA members, football and the long-term future of the game."

With the CAF and Conmebol still evaluating the FFE, the AFC and Concacaf have backed UEFA's stance. The European confederation has even threatened to withdraw from FIFA tournaments if the FFE proceeds, highlighting the significant opposition the project faces.

No he estado involucrado de ninguna forma en esta propuesta y me opongo de forma categรณrica

โ€” Carlos CordeiroExplaining his resignation as an advisor to Gianni Infantino over the FFE project.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by El Nacional in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.