FIFA scraps controversial FIFA Forward Enterprise proposal

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has officially withdrawn the controversial 'FIFA Forward Enterprise' (FFE) proposal following widespread public backlash. The plan had sought to create a new corporate structure allowing private investors to acquire 20-30% non-controlling stakes in various FIFA tournaments. Under the original proposal, the global football governing body would have retained majority control, while approximately 20% of the shares would have been distributed among the 211 national member associations, granting them the option to retain or sell their stakes.

The initiative faced significant criticism from the international football community, ultimately leading to its complete abandonment. Despite the negative reception, the Qatar Football Association issued an official statement publicly supporting President Infantino. While acknowledging that the proposal contained some positive elements, the Qatari federation praised the decision to withdraw the plan, framing it as a move to prioritize unity among member associations and focus on the continued global development of the sport.