Infantino’s FIFA Forward Enterprise proposal could earn each MA $20m – Amaju Pinnick

Deputy Chairperson of the FIFA Men’s National Teams Competition Committee, Amaju Pinnick, has thrown his support behind FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s proposed FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), describing it as a transformative initiative that could deliver up to $20 million to each of FIFA’s member associations.

Speaking about the proposal on Nigerian-based television network ARISEtv, Pinnick explained that Infantino, as FIFA President, has the authority to introduce reforms aimed at strengthening the global game, while emphasising that the final decision rests with FIFA’s stakeholders.

“As FIFA President, Gianni Infantino has the right to propose changes, and it is up to stakeholders to accept or reject them,” Pinnick said.

According to the former Nigeria Football Federation president, one of Infantino’s defining qualities as FIFA President is his commitment to extensive consultation before implementing major reforms.

He noted that the FFE proposal is currently being discussed with football stakeholders across the world as part of that process.

Pinnick revealed that the proposal seeks to establish a new commercial entity known as FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), which would operate as a for-profit subsidiary.

Under the plan, FIFA would sell minority stakes in the company to external investors, creating additional commercial revenue for the global governing body.

Despite the involvement of outside investors, Pinnick stressed that the primary beneficiaries of the initiative would remain FIFA’s 211 member associations.

He said football associations across the globe—including the Nigeria Football Federation, the Ghana Football Association, the South African Football Association and their counterparts worldwide—stand to receive significant financial support if the proposal is approved.

He indicated that each member association could receive as much as $20 million, providing a substantial financial boost that could be invested in football development, infrastructure, grassroots programmes and other strategic initiatives.

Pinnick further argued that the proposal should be viewed as a positive step for world football, particularly following what he described as the most successful FIFA World Cup in history.

He believes the tournament’s commercial success has created an ideal platform for FIFA to pursue innovative strategies that will generate sustainable funding for its member associations.

The FFE proposal is expected to remain the subject of discussions among FIFA stakeholders before any final decision is taken, with member associations ultimately set to determine whether the initiative moves forward.

Meanwhile, Member Associations (MAs) have been given September 19 to make a decision.