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FIFA President Gianni Infantino on Wednesday backed a disputed proposal to introduce private investors into a new commercial subsidiary tasked with overseeing the organization's competitions and business operations, describing it as a chance to accelerate global football growth.
The plan has faced widespread criticism since its revelation on Tuesday, with opponents warning it could grant private investors undue influence over major competitions, including the World Cup.
"FIFA Forward Enterprise, or FFE, is actually a proposal, an offer. It's part of a democratic process, a consultation process, and, above all, it is an opportunity but not an obligation," Infantino said in a video.
"It is a golden opportunity to turbocharge the development of the game globally. But again, it is just an offer, not an obligation."
Under the proposal, FIFA Forward Enterprise would consolidate FIFA's commercial rights, including broadcasting, sponsorship, ticketing and licensing, with the organization of its tournaments.
FIFA plans to raise $4.2 billion by selling minority, non-controlling interests in the subsidiary, which has been given an initial valuation of $20 billion. The governing body says it would retain control over FFE and exclusive authority over football regulations, competitions and the international match calendar.
Infantino said the proposal was intended to unlock "previously uncaptured commercial value" and would require the support of a majority of FIFA's 211 member associations, the national football governing bodies that make up FIFA's membership, as well as approval from the FIFA Council, the organization's main decision-making body between congresses.
"Capturing that value requires additional expertise, additional insight, distinct from governing and developing the sport," he said. "It would simply commercialize and organize all FIFA-owned competitions, along with sponsorship, broadcast, licensing and new ventures, for the benefit of FIFA's 211 member associations."
FIFA says the additional investment could increase development funding for each member association and finance stadiums, national training centers, grassroots programs and women's football.
However, the proposal has drawn fierce criticism over transparency, governance and the potential commercialization of the World Cup. European football's governing body UEFA said football's "soul and governance" were not assets to be traded, declaring: "It is not FIFA's to sell."
Infantino rejected suggestions that the investment model would fundamentally alter the sport, insisting that supporters would benefit from increased funding in their countries. "Fans from everywhere in the world would gain immeasurably from this game-changing potential because it will transform football in their countries," he said.
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