FIFA has officially withdrawn its controversial plan to launch a commercial subsidiary, known as the FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), following significant backlash from across the global football community. The proposal, which was introduced on Tuesday, aimed to raise as much as $4.2 billion based on a $20 billion valuation for the new entity. The venture was intended to manage major tournaments, including the World Cup and the Club World Cup.
Had the project proceeded, FIFA claimed it could have provided each of its 211 member associations with a one-off payment of $20 million in early 2027. Furthermore, the plan suggested increasing funding allocations for the 2027-2030 cycle from $8 million to $20 million per member. However, these financial incentives were not enough to quell mounting criticism.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino addressed the decision in a late-night statement, noting that the project was originally conceived to strengthen member associations. He stated, "Having listened carefully to all the views, it has become clear that the project has created divisions of a nature that, regardless of the level of support, are no longer in the interest of the objective set out in the first place." Infantino added that his purpose remains to unite and improve the sport, confirming, "As a result, this proposal will not proceed."
The withdrawal was welcomed by various football organizations. The Kuala Lumpur-based Asian Football Confederation (AFC) praised the move, emphasizing that any future initiatives impacting global football must be discussed with stakeholders in a "timely, transparent and meaningful manner." Similarly, the Mexican Football Federation expressed support for the cancellation, stating that unity among confederations should be prioritized. Prior to the cancellation, UEFA had threatened that its national teams would boycott FIFA competitions if the proposals remained active. The plan also faced condemnation from CONCACAF, while the South American confederation CONMEBOL had demanded further clarity regarding the project's governance and potential effects.
External pressure also mounted, with UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham criticizing Infantino’s leadership. Looking ahead, Infantino stated his intent to restore harmony and focus on growing the game, particularly in regions that require the most support.
The Asian Football Confederation, which represents 47 member nations, welcomed the plan's withdrawal on Saturday.
FIFA had tried to fend off the critics, saying in a statement early Friday that it would continue consultations with member associations and insisting that "nobody is selling football".
