Egypt FA backs Gianni Infantino as FIFA Forward Enterprise plan is withdrawn

The Egyptian Football Association has publicly backed FIFA president Gianni Infantino after he withdrew the controversial FIFA Forward Enterprise proposal following strong opposition from member associations and football confederations.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the Egyptian Football Association, led by Hany Abu Rida, praised Infantino for responding to the feedback he had received from FIFA’s members and abandoning the plan.

“The Egyptian Football Association, under the presidency of Hany Abu Rida, commends FIFA president Gianni Infantino for his decision to withdraw the FIFA Forward Enterprise proposal after the comments and views he received from FIFA’s member associations,” the statement said.

The Egyptian governing body described the decision as evidence of effective leadership and said it strengthened unity across the international football community.

“True leadership is demonstrated by listening to member associations and taking decisions that best serve the interests of the international football community,” it added.

“This decision strengthens the unity of the global football family, and also reflects the spirit of communication, consultation and respect for different viewpoints adopted by FIFA’s member associations.”

The Egyptian Football Association said it hoped FIFA and its members would now work together to achieve their shared objectives, while reaffirming its confidence in Infantino’s leadership.

“The Egyptian Football Association looks forward, with optimism, to FIFA and its member associations working together to find the best ways to achieve these common goals,” the statement continued.

“It renews its full confidence in the leadership of FIFA president Gianni Infantino and confirms its continued support for any initiatives that serve the interests of FIFA’s member associations and the future of global football.”

The Egyptian position followed a similar statement from the Moroccan Football Association earlier on Saturday. Morocco also welcomed the withdrawal of the proposal and renewed its support for Infantino.

FIFA Forward Enterprise was intended to create a new company combining the governing body’s commercial operations with its tournament-organising activities. The proposal also included the possibility of selling a stake in the company to private-sector investors.

The plan attracted mounting criticism from across football. UEFA said it would boycott FIFA competitions if Infantino proceeded with the project, while the proposal also faced opposition from the Asian Football Confederation and CONCACAF.

The controversy led to the resignation of Carlos Cordeiro, a senior adviser to Infantino. The proposal was also criticised by Kevin Lamour, FIFA’s chief operating officer.

Faced with the growing backlash, Infantino announced that the project would be withdrawn. However, the decision did not end the criticism surrounding his leadership.

UEFA reportedly remains determined to remove Infantino from his position as FIFA president, while CONCACAF has called for a “review of the FIFA presidency”.