Infantino Faces Split Support After Scrapped Investor Plan

In late July, FIFA announced a proposal to sell stakes in a new subsidiary, FIFA Forward Enterprise, that would have managed the commercial operations of the World Cup and other events. The plan, projected to raise up to $4.2 billion based on an initial valuation of $20 billion, was withdrawn after intense backlash from national associations and confederations. FIFA subsequently issued an apology for the handling of the proposal, while President Gianni Infantino pledged to remain in office despite mounting calls for his resignation.

Euronews

The “FFE” proposal was intended to involve private investors in the governance of FIFA’s most lucrative competitions. Critics argued that the move threatened the sport’s democratic structures and could “disfigure the game.” After the plan’s abandonment, the controversy evolved into a broader debate over Infantino’s leadership, with several confederations and national federations publicly taking sides.

Euronews

• Argentina Football Association (AFA) – President Claudio Tapia wrote an open letter supporting Infantino, praising a decade of “transparent governance” and urging members to continue working under his leadership.

ESPN

• UEFA – Declared loss of confidence in Infantino, insisting that any future participation in FIFA competitions requires the withdrawal of the commercial-rights proposal and guarantees that similar attempts will not recur.

Euronews

• Confederation of African Football (CAF) – Unanimously reaffirmed support for Infantino, citing more than $1 billion invested in African football through the FIFA Forward Programme since 2016 and projecting a total of $1.28 billion by the end of 2026.

Euronews

• Norwegian Football Federation – President Lise Klaveness said trust in Infantino had been lost and called for new leadership.

ESPN

• Wales, Finland, Sweden, England, Jordan and Albania – Announced they would no longer back Infantino’s re-election bid.

Euronews

• Proposed fundraising: up to $4.2 billion from private investors.

Euronews

• Valuation of the new subsidiary: $20 billion.

Euronews

• FIFA Forward Programme contributions to Africa: >$1 billion to date; projected $1.28 billion by end-2026.

Euronews

• “We believe that trust has now been lost and that FIFA needs new leadership,” — Lise Klaveness

Euronews

FIFA’s next major decision point is the upcoming FIFA Congress, where member associations will vote on Infantino’s continued presidency and the future of commercial-rights governance. The outcome will determine whether the organization adopts new safeguards or proceeds with revised commercial strategies.

Euronews