FIFA Responds to UEFA: Many Assurances, but No Withdrawal of the Proposal

As expected, FIFA responded to UEFA’s statement, in which UEFA threatened to boycott upcoming soccer events organized by FIFA if the FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) project is not dismantled.

“We have taken note of the comments provided by the respective confederations regarding the proposed establishment of the FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) and wish to address the issues that have arisen following the initial media reports. We respect the comments and concerns expressed publicly and reaffirm our commitment to open and democratic consultation. Our previously planned consultation process has been put on hold in light of inaccurate media reports,” reads the statement released by FIFA.

“We will move forward with this process to ensure that every association has the opportunity to cast its vote based on the facts,” the statement continues, emphasizing that “no one is selling soccer. This is not a scenario that FIFA would ever consider.”

“The FFE was proposed solely to ensure that all FIFA-affiliated associations have the opportunity to assume meaningful responsibility for soccer’s commercial opportunities in their respective countries, without this coming at the expense of the spirit or governance of FIFA or soccer itself. Everyone has the right to voice their opposition and seek further clarification, but no single entity can claim to represent all 211 member associations worldwide. Every soccer federation should have the chance to review the proposal and express its opinion in shaping its own future. These are FIFA’s democratic principles,” the statement notes. In short, no backtracking, but a different approach.