Infantino defends his project: Our goal is to develop football

FIFA President Gianni Infantino defended the proposal to create a subsidiary to manage the federation's commercial activities, including the World Cup and other tournaments, insisting the project represents "an opportunity, not a commitment." The proposal, which includes the possibility of selling stakes in the commercial rights to FIFA's major competitions, has sparked controversy and outrage worldwide since its recent unveiling. However, Infantino emphasized that the idea aims to maximize the commercial value of football, noting that currently only a small fraction of this value reaches those most in need within the game's ecosystem. In a video statement, Infantino said: "FIFA Forward Enterprise is essentially a proposal for discussion, part of a democratic, consultative process, and above all, an opportunity, not a commitment." He added: "It's a golden opportunity to accelerate the development of football globally, but it remains a proposal open for discussion, not a binding decision." The FIFA president emphasized that the project aims to unlock previously untapped commercial potential, explaining that its implementation remains contingent upon the approval of FIFA's 211 member associations, as well as the endorsement of the FIFA Council. Infantino clarified that capitalizing on this commercial potential requires specialized expertise and a distinct vision, separate from the management and development of the game.