‘It’s a golden opportunity’ – Infantino defends FIFA World Cup commercial proposal
(L/R) Argentina’s President Javier Milei looks on as FIFA President Gianni Infantino speaks during the inaugural meeting of the “Board of Peace” hosted by US President Donald Trump at the US Institute of Peace in Washington, DC, on February 19, 2026. President Trump on Thursday gathers allies to inaugurate the “Board of Peace,” his new institution focused on progress on Gaza but whose ambitions reach much further. Around two dozen world leaders or other senior officials have come to Washington for the meeting — including several of Trump’s authoritarian-leaning friends and virtually none of the European democrats that traditionally sign on to US initiatives. (Photo by SAUL LOEB / AFP)
FIFA president Gianni Infantino said Wednesday that the proposed launch of a private subsidiary to expoit the commercial benefits of the World Cup was “an opportunity but not an obligation”.
A proposal to sell stakes in FIFA’s major competitions sparked disbelief and outrage globally since it was revealed Tuesday, but Infantino defended the idea, saying too little of football’s commercial value reached the parts of the game that need it most.
“FIFA Forward Enterprise, or FFE, is actually a proposal, an offer. It’s part of a democratic process – a consultation process – and, above all, it is an opportunity but not an obligation,” Infantino said in a video released Wednesday evening.
“It is a golden opportunity to turbocharge the development of the game globally. But again, it is just an offer, not an obligation.”
Infantino insisted the proposal was centred on unlocking “previously uncaptured commercial value” and was conditional on a democratic vote of FIFA’s 211 member associations and approval by the FIFA council.
“Capturing that value requires additional expertise, additional insight, distinct from governing and developing the sport,” he said.
“It would simply commercialise and organise all FIFA-owned competitions along with sponsorship, broadcast, licensing and new ventures for the benefit of FIFA’s 211 member associations.”
Infantino said the game would not change and the fans would be happier.
“Fans from everywhere in the world would gain immeasurably from this game-changing potential because it will transform football in their countries,” he said.
Source: Vanguard
