PSSI chair defends FIFA's commercial rights proposal

Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI) Chairperson Erick Thohir has defended FIFA against criticism surrounding its proposed FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) initiative. Thohir emphasized that FIFA's support has been instrumental in the development and current successes of Indonesian football.

"Our football has achieved many of its current successes because the public, the government, and FIFA have worked together. We should be grateful, especially to FIFA," Thohir told reporters in Jakarta on Friday. He recalled FIFA's critical role in helping Indonesia navigate potential sanctions following the deadly Kanjuruhan Stadium disaster in October 2022. According to Thohir, close coordination between the government, the public, and FIFA prevented harsher consequences and allowed domestic football activities to continue.

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Our football has achieved many of its current successes because the public, the government, and FIFA have worked together. We should be grateful, especially to FIFA.

Thohir also pointed to FIFA's ongoing commitment, citing the establishment of a FIFA office in Indonesia and annual funding for development programs. FIFA reportedly organizes 13 to 15 football development programs in Indonesia each year, investing between US$1 million and US$2 million annually.

The remarks come as FIFA faces scrutiny over the FFE plan, which aims to create a private subsidiary to manage and potentially sell equity in the commercial rights of FIFA competitions, including the World Cup. FIFA President Gianni Infantino has stressed that the proposal is voluntary and part of a consultation process with member associations, describing it as an "opportunity, not an obligation" to accelerate global football development.

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FFE is essentially a proposal, an offer. It is part of a democratic process, a consultation process, and most importantly, it is an opportunity, not an obligation.