Pinnick defends FIFA's plan to sell World Cup stake

Amaju Pinnick, former President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), has defended FIFA's controversial plan to sell a 20% stake in the World Cup and other competitions to private investors. Pinnick, who also serves as deputy chairperson of the FIFA Men’s National Teams Competitions Committee, argued that the initiative should be evaluated on its merits and that it aims to increase revenue for member associations.

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First, I will say that I am not totally equipped to speak on this issue. I have not seen any mail to that effect. One thing I know is that Gianni does not just wake up and give a proposal. He consults extensively. Gianni is driven and very audacious. A lot of people in the football family do not like it.

Speaking on Arise TV, Pinnick highlighted FIFA President Gianni Infantino's history of implementing reforms that have benefited football associations. He recalled a personal conversation with Infantino during his presidential campaign, where Infantino promised to increase funding for member associations from $200,000 to $1.25 million, a promise he later fulfilled. Pinnick believes Infantino's current proposal follows a similar pattern of seeking to bolster financial resources for football globally.

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Now you receive $200,000. Once I get elected, you will now start receiving $1.25 million. I said, ‘That is a big lie. Where do you want to get the money from? He said, ‘We did it in UEFA. We turned UEFA around, and we can also do it in FIFA. I have seen my books and consulted.’ When he got elected, he immediately started paying $1.25 million.

Pinnick emphasized that the primary beneficiaries of the proposed stake sale would be the member associations themselves. He stated that the plan could provide them with up to $20 million, in addition to potential access to another $20 million through the FIFA Fast Forward Programme. "So if, for example, you have $40 million, trust me, you don’t need a government to run football," Pinnick asserted. He urged stakeholders to focus on the integrity of the funds rather than immediately labeling the proposal as a controversy, noting that FIFA's history includes similar financial arrangements, such as the International Sports and Legion (ISL) deal inherited by Sepp Blatter.

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Gianni is making a proposal. As president of FIFA or as a head of an organisation, you can bring out a proposal. It behoves you to accept it or not. Don’t call everything a controversy. He has a right to bring out a proposal.

FIFA's announcement of the stake sale plan has already drawn criticism, notably from the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA). However, Pinnick maintains that the world is evolving and that such proposals are part of FIFA's efforts to adapt and generate more income for its constituents. He believes that Infantino's approach, while sometimes audacious, is driven by a desire to improve the financial standing of football associations worldwide.

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Once this is done, the MAs will receive $20 million. They have also got the FIFA Fast Forward Programme. You can also access another $20 million. So if, for example, you have $40 million, trust me, you don’t need a government to run football.