FIFA Forward Enterprise project withdrawn by Gianni Infantino after football bodies split

Gianni Infantino has withdrawn FIFA’s controversial FIFA Forward Enterprise project after opposition from several football organisations and concerns that the proposal was creating divisions within the game.

The FIFA president announced the decision early on Saturday, saying the plan would not be taken forward after he had listened to the views of the national associations, confederations and other stakeholders involved.

FIFA Forward Enterprise was intended to create a commercial entity that would allow private-sector investors to participate in the commercial rights of FIFA competitions. The proposed structure would have brought together FIFA’s commercial activities and its tournament operations, while making part of the company available to private investors.

In a statement, Infantino said: “The FIFA Forward Enterprise project was intended to provide a basis for continuing to strengthen our FIFA member associations and football around the world, particularly in countries that need support the most.”

He added: “Moreover, as we made clear from the outset, this could only happen if the project had the support of the majority of FIFA member associations, and if it were always subject to a process of consultation with them, the FIFA Council, the confederations and all other stakeholders.”

However, Infantino said the proposal had ultimately failed to serve the purpose for which it was designed.

“After listening carefully to all the views, it became clear that the project had become divisive, in a way that meant its continuation – regardless of the level of support it had – would no longer serve the purpose for which it was originally created,” he said.

“Our aim was, and will always be, to unite and develop the game. Accordingly, this proposal will not be pursued.”

Infantino said he would now seek to bring the different parties together again.

“In the next phase, I intend to bring all the relevant parties together again over the coming days and weeks, in a spirit of care for the common interest of football, and with the aim of continuing to develop the game around the world, particularly in countries that are most in need of our support,” he said.

The announcement came after opposition to the plan intensified in the final hours before FIFA confirmed its withdrawal. UEFA had said it would boycott FIFA competitions if Infantino continued with the project.

The proposal had also faced resistance from the Asian Football Confederation and Concacaf, adding to the pressure on FIFA’s leadership.

Carlos Cordeiro, a senior adviser to Infantino and an American, resigned in protest at the plan. The proposal was also criticised by Frenchman Kevin Lamour, FIFA’s director of operations.

The project had been presented as a way to generate additional commercial resources for FIFA and strengthen financial support for national associations, particularly those in countries considered most in need of assistance. Its withdrawal means the proposed partnership with private investors will not proceed.

Infantino’s decision ends the immediate dispute over FIFA Forward Enterprise, after the plan’s stated objective of supporting the development of football became overshadowed by disagreement among the organisations expected to be involved.