FIFA Controversy: Gianni Infantino Presses On and Responds to Criticism. But on Donald Trump…
“No ultimatum, just the beginning of a democratic consultation process.” These are the words Gianni Infantino spoke in a video posted on his Instagram profile, in a post created in collaboration with FIFA’s social media page, to respond to the criticism he has faced in recent days following the revelation—by a *Times* investigation—of his intention to sell part of the value of the World Cup and other FIFA-branded events to private companies.
“FIFA Forward Enterprise is a proposal, an opportunity—not an obligation—because, as I said, we have only kicked off the consultation process,” Infantino explained. “If, and only if, it is approved by a majority of the 211 federations and by the FIFA Council, then the plan to consolidate the commercial side and the organization of events will be implemented.”
““The idea,” added the head of world soccer, “is to market and organize all FIFA competitions—quite simply—by managing sponsors, TV rights, licensing, and potential new agreements for the benefit of all federations that are part of FIFA, unlocking value that we were previously unable to tap into.”.
“This proposal would unlock the potential of our sport in every corner of the world, without distinction between men’s, women’s, or youth soccer,” Infantino continued. “In the next cycle alone, revenue distribution would rise from the current $8 million per federation to $20 million, with the possibility of accessing an additional $20 million through another program, the FIFA Fast Forward Program, bringing the total to $40 million for the next cycle.”
“We’re talking about the opportunity to turbocharge the development of soccer globally, but again: it’s just an offer, not an obligation. Each member is free to choose,” Infantino concluded, though he limited his remarks to the figures and avoided the topic of Donald Trump.
In the background, however, looms the figure of the U.S. president, who is indirectly involved in the matter, given that the family of his son-in-law Jared Kushner—specifically Jared’s brother Joshua—is reportedly involved in the sale of a substantial portion of the value of FIFA events, foremost among them the World Cup.
