FIFA has taken a step back on the ambitious “FIFA Forward Enterprise” (FFE) project, but has not yet officially withdrawn the plan. The world’s top soccer body has softened its stance, saying the initiative will not be implemented without the approval of member federations.

The debate began on July 28, when it was reported that FIFA was considering the creation of the “FIFA Forward Enterprise,” a commercial entity with an estimated value of about $20 billion.

The project envisioned that private investors, including the firm of Joshua Kushner, Jared Kushner’s brother, would buy a minority stake of 20-21 percent of the World Cup and Club World Cup commercial rights.

The plan caused a lot of reaction in the world of football. UEFA was the confederation that most strongly opposed this idea, while all 55 of its member federations decided on July 30 an indefinite boycott of all FIFA competitions.

Among the federations that supported this position are Spain and Portugal, two of the organizing countries of the 2030 World Cup.

Concerns about the project were also expressed by the confederations CONCACAF and AFC (Asia), which criticized the lack of consultations and the short deadline of September 19 for making a decision on such a major issue.

The pressure on FIFA also increased after the resignation of Carlos Cordeiro, one of the closest advisers to President Gianni Infantino, who left in protest against this initiative.

On July 31, FIFA released an official statement clarifying that its commercial activities will remain unchanged and that “FIFA Forward Enterprise” will not be created without the approval of all 211 member federations.

In the statement, FIFA emphasized that “no one is selling football”, contradicting reports that, according to it, had presented the project incorrectly.

However, this is seen as a partial withdrawal by FIFA in the face of pressure from federations and confederations, but not as a final abandonment of the plan. Consultations will continue, while the final decision is expected to be taken in the vote scheduled for September.

Source: prizrenpost