Gianni Infantino has issued a new statement as his new plans for FIFA spark anger and threaten a UEFA boycott of the next World Cup. The FIFA president is looking to launch FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), which would allow private investors to buy stakes in the company.
He said on Wednesday: “It’s part of a democratic process – a consultation process – and, above all, it is an opportunity but not an obligation, and, as I said, it kicks off the consultation process.” The proposal would bring together the sale of FIFA’s commercial rights and the operational delivery of its tournaments, affecting broadcasting, sponsorship, ticketing, and licensing.
If approved, it would raise up to £3.1 billion from investors, who would buy minority, non-controlling stakes in FFE valued at around £15 billion.
FIFA said the plans could produce over £7.53 billion in “football development funding” over the next four years.
Mr Infantio is currently seeking approval for his scheme and has given football associations until September 19 to back it.
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