FIFA: Did Infantino miscalculate with his plans?

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has shelved controversial plans to sell stakes in a new commercial arm of the organization. The world football governing body had intended to establish a subsidiary to manage and market its tournaments, with 20 to 30 percent of shares offered to private investors.

The primary goal was to generate additional revenue, which would then be distributed to national football associations. However, the proposal met with strong resistance from key confederations, including UEFA, CONCACAF (North, Central America and Caribbean Football Confederation), and the Asian Football Confederation. UEFA even went as far as threatening a boycott of the World Cup if the plans proceeded.

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Whether Infantino misjudged his plans and what consequences the plans would have had for international football, explains Fabian Scheler, editor in the sports department of ZEIT.

Critics voiced concerns that the move represented a further step towards the commercialization of football, potentially diverting FIFA from its fundamental responsibilities. The decision to abandon the plan suggests Infantino may have miscalculated the extent of opposition and the potential fallout for international football.

In related news, a new German video platform called Wedium has launched, aiming to provide a European alternative to TikTok. Developed by parents, Wedium emphasizes enhanced child protection, data privacy, and a verified community. The platform intends to combat the amplification of hate speech and misinformation through its algorithm and offers users diverse feed options, including one that intentionally showcases different perspectives. Users under 13 will require an adult-linked account, highlighting a focus on safety for younger audiences.

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With Wedium, a new German video platform has launched, which wants to offer a European alternative to TikTok.