FIFA shelves Forward Enterprise plan after member associations become divided

FIFA has abandoned plans to proceed with its proposed FIFA Forward Enterprise project after concluding that the initiative had created divisions among its member associations.

The proposal had received support from several associations, but FIFA said it would not be adopted or pursued at this stage because it conflicted with the organisation’s central aim of uniting the global football community and supporting the development of the game.

In an official statement, FIFA said the project had been designed to strengthen the capabilities of member associations and provide additional funding for football development, particularly in countries and regions requiring greater assistance.

FIFA added that it had made clear from the outset that the initiative could only be implemented with the backing of a majority of its member associations. It also said the proposal was subject to consultations with the FIFA Council, the continental confederations and other relevant stakeholders.

However, discussions in recent weeks showed that the plan had resulted in disagreement among member associations. FIFA said that outcome was inconsistent with the purpose for which the project had originally been launched.

The governing body said its mission would continue to be based on bringing football together and helping it grow worldwide. It also confirmed that the current proposal would not be approved or taken forward in its present form.

FIFA is expected to begin a series of consultations with all interested parties over the coming days and weeks. The discussions will seek to establish a shared vision for the continued development of football across the world, with particular emphasis on supporting countries and associations that need help most.

The organisation said the process would aim to serve the interests of football while protecting the unity of the game’s international community.

The original proposal involved setting up an independent commercial company to manage FIFA’s existing rights and major events with investment from the private sector.

It faced significant opposition from individuals within FIFA and from a number of continental confederations.

Carlos Cordeiro, an adviser to FIFA president Gianni Infantino, resigned from his position in protest at the proposal.

UEFA had previously said its national teams would boycott FIFA competitions “as long as these proposals remain in place”.

Concacaf formally rejected the FIFA plan, while the Asian Football Confederation also announced its opposition.

The Confederation of African Football, meanwhile, said it would hold a meeting of its executive committee to assess the proposed FIFA Forward Enterprise initiative.

FIFA’s decision to withdraw the project follows that wider resistance, despite the backing it had received from some member associations. The governing body has now indicated that any future approach will need to be developed through further consultation and achieve broader agreement across the football community.