FIFA abandons Forward Enterprise project after opposition from member associations

FIFA has officially withdrawn its proposed FIFA Forward Enterprise project after admitting the initiative had become too divisive among its member associations.

In a statement attributed to FIFA President Gianni Infantino, the world football governing body said the proposal, which was designed to strengthen member associations and support football development globally, would no longer proceed following extensive consultations with stakeholders.

According to Infantino, the FIFA Forward Enterprise project was conceived to provide a stronger foundation for supporting FIFA’s 211 member associations, particularly those in countries where football development requires greater financial and structural assistance.

He stressed that FIFA had always intended to move ahead with the project only if it received broad backing from its member associations and after a thorough consultation process involving the FIFA Council, the six continental confederations and other key stakeholders.

“Having listened carefully to all the views, it has become clear that the project has created divisions of a nature that, regardless of the level of support, are no longer in the interest of the objective set out in the first place,” Infantino said.

“Our purpose has always been – and will always be – to unite and improve.”

The decision brings an end to a proposal that had generated significant debate within the global football community, with several member associations expressing concerns over aspects of the initiative despite its stated objective of increasing support for football development.

Infantino acknowledged that maintaining unity within world football was more important than pursuing a project that had become a source of disagreement.

“As a result, this proposal will not proceed,” he announced.

Despite shelving the initiative, the FIFA president reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to expanding football development across the world, particularly in nations that depend heavily on FIFA funding and technical support.

Infantino revealed that he intends to engage with all interested parties in the coming days and weeks to rebuild consensus and continue discussions on how best to grow the game globally.

“Moving forward, my intent is to bring all interested parties back together in the coming days and weeks in the spirit of shared interest in our game, and with the objective to continue growing football everywhere, particularly in those countries that mostly need our support,” he said.

The withdrawal of the FIFA Forward Enterprise project underscores FIFA’s emphasis on preserving unity among its member associations as it continues to explore alternative ways of strengthening football development worldwide.

Timeline

Monday, 27 July

• In a 15-slide post on his personal Instagram account, Fifa president Gianni Infantino tells his critics to “meditate, pray or watch a football match” instead of “spreading hate and false rumours” about his leadership.

Tuesday, 28 July

• The Times and Financial Times report Infantino’s plan to sell stakes in its competitions, including the World Cup, to private investors.
• Uefa publishes its first statement saying football is “not Fifa’s to sell”, and accuses Fifa of ‘crossing a line’.
• Fifa issues statement confirming the plans.

Wednesday, 29 July

• Infantino writes to all 211 Fifa member associations saying they will receive $40m (£30m) if they back his plans, but that they must do so by 19 September if they want to access an initial $20m (£15m).
• Uefa says “Fifa cannot continue to use our sport to enrich themselves and their friends.”

Thursday, 30 July

• Uefa’s 55 member associations vote to boycott World Cups if Infantino’s plan goes ahead.
• Concacaf says its 41 member associations also “rejected” the proposal.

Friday, 31 July

• Fifa says “nobody is selling football” and vows to continue with the plan.
• Asian Football Confederation (AFC) says it “stands in solidarity” with Uefa and Concacaf, though stops short of unequivocally rejecting Infantino’s proposal.
• A senior adviser to Infantino, Carlos Cordeiro, resigns citing “a bad deal for football” that would “mortgage football’s future”.
• UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham says Infantino is the “wrong man” to lead Fifa.
• Fifa’s chief operating officer Kevin Lamour says the governing body’s own administration has been “deceived” about the project.

Saturday, 1 August

• Infantino releases statement at about 00:30 BST on Saturday, saying the plan will not proceed.