"After carefully listening to all points of view, it became clear that the project has created divisions of such a nature that, regardless of the level of support, it is no longer in the best interests of its intended objective. Our goal has always been—and always will be—to unite and improve. Consequently, this proposal will not be pursued." This is what FIFA stated in an official statement regarding the possibility of selling the World Cup to private investors, with an opening for a new subsidiary to manage the commercial rights.
"The FIFA Forward Enterprise project was born with the intention of providing a foundation to further strengthen our associations and our sport around the world, especially in those countries where the greatest support is needed," reads the statement signed by President Infantino. "Furthermore, as we have stated from the outset, this project should only be implemented with the support of the majority of FIFA's member associations and always after consulting them, the Federal Council, the Confederations, and other stakeholders."
"From now on," Infantino concluded, "my goal will be to reunite all stakeholders in the coming days and weeks, in the spirit of a shared interest in our sport and with the goal of continuing to grow football everywhere, particularly in those countries that need our support most."
Infantino's plan to privatize the World Cup had unleashed chaos in the soccer world. UEFA, which had threatened to boycott FIFA competitions, was joined by North America, Central America, and Asia, a 143-member rebel front. Infantino's chief advisor, Carlos Cordeiro, also resigned. Then FIFA Chief Operating Officer Kevin Lamour, without resigning, strongly criticized the plan.
A wave of attacks that pushed the increasingly criticized FIFA number 1 to take a step back.
This step back, however, was not enough to achieve reconciliation, at least not with the highest European body that harshly attacked him: "The current FIFA leadership has not only lost the trust of UEFA, but also that of many other members of the football family," a statement read.
(Unioneonline)
