Ecuadorian Football Federation backs Infantino, withdrawal of World Cup privatization plan

The Ecuadorian Football Federation (FEF) has publicly backed FIFA President Gianni Infantino, applauding the global governing body's decision to scrap a controversial plan to privatize the World Cup. The FEF views this move as the most appropriate and consistent with the principles of good governance in football.

In a letter to Infantino, FEF President Francisco Egas stated that the federation salutes FIFA's withdrawal from the proposed creation of FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE). "This is, without a doubt, the most accurate and coherent decision with the principles of good governance that should govern football," Egas wrote. He emphasized that football is at a moment requiring unity and collaborative work.

Egas conveyed the FEF's conviction that, as FIFA members, they must remain united and continue on the path of growth. He credited the significant development of Ecuadorian football over the past decade to FIFA's proximity and its technical, human, and financial support. "We are convinced that we must continue united on the path we have traveled and that in this last decade, focused on continuing with this project, has achieved remarkable growth for football," he said.

The FEF echoed the sentiments of CONMEBOL, calling for the preservation of institutional integrity in football. "We trust that you and those who are now at the head of football will continue working for our sport, adhering to the rules, with transparency and conviction," Egas told Infantino. The FIFA Forward Enterprise project aimed to sell 20% of a new subsidiary created to manage commercial operations and events, including the World Cup. Infantino ultimately withdrew the proposal after listening to all parties involved, despite some associations, like UEFA, having questioned his leadership.