FIFA scraps World Cup commercialization subsidiary plan amid backlash

FIFA has officially withdrawn its controversial plan to establish a new subsidiary, FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), intended to commercialize the World Cup and other organizational events. The decision comes after widespread criticism and opposition from key football confederations.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino announced the U-turn in a statement, acknowledging that the project had generated "divisions of such nature that, regardless of the level of support, they no longer redound to the benefit of the initial objective." He emphasized FIFA's commitment to unity and improvement, stating the proposal would not proceed.

The proposed subsidiary was valued at approximately $20 billion by J.P. Morgan. FIFA had also offered its 211 member federations $53 million each in exchange for their support of the plan. The FFE was intended to strengthen member associations and global football, particularly in regions needing more support.

However, the plan faced immediate backlash. UEFA, representing European national federations, warned it would not participate in FIFA competitions if the proposal moved forward. Concacaf also aligned with UEFA's stance. Conmebol, the South American football confederation, confirmed it had begun consulting its members, asserting that "football comes first."

Infantino concluded by expressing his intention to convene all stakeholders to foster common interest in the sport and continue its development worldwide, especially in underserved nations.