UAE FA commends Infantino and calls for unity after FIFA rethink

The UAE Football Association has reaffirmed its confidence in Gianni Infantino’s leadership of FIFA and expressed strong support for initiatives intended to benefit national associations.

The UAEFA’s position follows FIFA’s decision to step back from a proposal to sell a share of the commercial rights to its competitions, particularly the World Cup. The plan had faced widespread opposition internationally, most notably from UEFA, which announced that it would boycott the World Cup.

The UAEFA, led by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, issued an official statement on its account on X welcoming Infantino’s decision not to proceed with the “FIFA Forward Enterprise” proposal.

It said abandoning the project was in the interests of the international football community and would help preserve the unity of the game’s global family.

The statement also called for every proposal to be considered carefully and responsibly, with the interests of football, its supporters and the wider football community at the centre of the decision-making process.

The UAEFA said it supports initiatives and proposals designed to promote further development while maintaining the cohesion of the international football family.

The association added that constructive measures aimed at strengthening football’s structures and supporting national associations should be encouraged, while stressing the importance of examining their potential impact before they are implemented.

Its statement concluded by renewing the UAEFA’s confidence in Gianni Infantino’s leadership of FIFA.

The controversy surrounding the “FIFA Forward Enterprise” proposal had focused on the possible sale of part of FIFA’s commercial rights, including rights connected to the World Cup. The plan attracted criticism across the world football community and led to opposition from UEFA.

Against that background, the UAEFA said FIFA’s decision to withdraw from the project served the interests of the international game by avoiding further division and protecting the unity of its governing structures.

The association’s response represents continued backing for Infantino from the United Arab Emirates, alongside its support for reforms and development programmes that seek to benefit national football associations.

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan’s organisation said the future of the game should be guided by proposals that contribute to football’s progress without weakening the links between its international members.

By publicly supporting Infantino’s decision, the UAEFA has aligned itself with the view that major commercial and administrative changes should be assessed with caution and with the wider football community in mind.