"An Opportunity, Not Obligation": Fifa President Gianni Infantino Defends Plans To Create A Corporate Company For The World Cup
Infantino claimed that the idea was based on unlocking "previously uncaptured commercial value" and was subject to a democratic vote of FIFA's 211 member associations and ratification by the FIFA council.
XtraTime Newsdesk: FIFA President Gianni Infantino said Wednesday that the planned creation of a corporate company to capitalise on the World Cup's financial benefits was "an opportunity but not an obligation." A plan to sell stakes in FIFA's major events has provoked widespread incredulity and indignation since its announcement on Tuesday, but Infantino defended the concept, claiming that too little of football's economic value reaches the areas of the game that require it the most. "FIFA Forward Enterprise, or FFE, is essentially a proposition, or offer. It's part of a democratic process - a consultation process - and, most importantly, it's an opportunity rather than a duty," Infantino said in a video published Wednesday evening.
"It is a golden opportunity to turbocharge the development of the game globally. But again, it is just an offer, not an obligation."
Infantino claimed that the idea was based on unlocking "previously uncaptured commercial value" and was subject to a democratic vote of FIFA's 211 member associations and ratification by the FIFA council.
"Capturing that value requires additional expertise, additional insight, distinct from governing and developing the sport," he said.
"It would simply commercialise and organise all FIFA-owned competitions along with sponsorship, broadcast, licensing and new ventures for the benefit of FIFA's 211 member associations."
Infantino said the game would not change and the fans would be happier.
"Fans from everywhere in the world would gain immeasurably from this game-changing potential because it will transform football in their countries," he said.