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FIFA scraps World Cup commercialization plan amid widespread opposition

From Confidencial · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Outcome reported
  • FIFA has abandoned its plan to create a subsidiary for commercializing the World Cup after facing significant opposition.
  • The organization stated the project created divisions and no longer served its initial purpose of unity and improvement.
  • FIFA President Gianni Infantino plans to convene stakeholders to discuss the future of football, emphasizing common interests.

FIFA has reversed course on its ambitious plan to establish a subsidiary, FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), aimed at commercializing the World Cup and other events. The decision came after widespread opposition from football confederations and leaders globally.

After listening carefully to all opinions, it has become clear that the project has created divisions of such a nature that, regardless of the level of support, they no longer serve the originally intended purpose.

— FIFA statementFIFA's official statement explaining the withdrawal of the commercialization plan.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino announced the withdrawal in a statement, acknowledging that the project had generated significant divisions. "Our purpose has always been, and will always be, to unite and improve. Consequently, this proposal will not move forward," the statement read. The organization had intended to sell a 20% stake in FFE, valued at approximately $20 billion according to J.P. Morgan, to private investors.

Initial reports suggested FIFA offered each of its 211 member federations $53 million for their backing of the proposal. However, the plan faced immediate backlash. UEFA, representing European national federations, warned its members would not participate in FIFA competitions if the proposal proceeded. Concacaf also voiced opposition, and Conmebol initiated consultations with its members, stating, "Football comes first."

Our purpose has always been, and will always be, to unite and improve. Consequently, this proposal will not move forward.

— FIFA statementFIFA's official statement explaining the withdrawal of the commercialization plan.

Infantino concluded by expressing his intention to bring all stakeholders together to advance football, particularly in countries most in need of support. The U-turn signifies a major concession by FIFA amid strong resistance to its commercialization strategy.

Going forward, my intention is to bring together all stakeholders in the coming days and weeks, in a spirit of common interest for our sport and with the aim of continuing to drive football forward everywhere, especially in those countries that need our support the most.

— Gianni InfantinoFIFA President Gianni Infantino's closing remarks in the statement announcing the plan's withdrawal.
DistantNews Editorial

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

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