**FIFA to Review Infantino's Abandoned Investment Proposal Amid Calls for Transparency**
FIFA announced on Thursday that it will present a review of the withdrawn FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) proposal to its Council. This decision comes in response to growing criticism regarding the lack of transparency surrounding the project, which was initiated by FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
The FFE proposal aimed to sell commercial stakes in major tournaments, including the World Cup, to external investors. However, the plan faced significant backlash from various football confederations, including UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), and CONCACAF. These organizations expressed concerns over the implications of such a move and called for reforms in FIFA's leadership structure.
Denmark Football Association Chairman Jesper Moller has been one of the most vocal critics of FIFA's handling of the proposal. He highlighted the need for greater transparency and accountability during a recent Legal Committee meeting, where he noted that FIFA had failed to address what he termed “critical questions” regarding the abandoned project.
In a statement to Reuters, FIFA acknowledged the concerns raised and confirmed that the review of the FFE proposal would be discussed by the FIFA Council, which consists of 37 members, including Infantino himself, eight vice-presidents, and 28 representatives elected by FIFA’s member associations.
Moller’s criticism reflects a broader discontent among European national football associations, many of which have withdrawn their support for Infantino's re-election bid. Prominent figures, such as Greek Football Association President Makis Gagatsis and former Germany national team Director Oliver Bierhoff, have joined UEFA in advocating for changes in FIFA’s leadership, signaling a united front among European stakeholders.
Despite the opposition, sources familiar with the situation suggest that Infantino still enjoys enough support to pursue a fourth term as FIFA President in the upcoming election scheduled for March 18, 2027, in Rabat. However, the mounting pressure from various factions may compel Infantino's supporters to reconsider their strategies, particularly in light of the calls to limit his powers.
As FIFA prepares to address the concerns surrounding the FFE proposal, the outcome of the review and the subsequent discussions within the Council will be closely watched by stakeholders across the football community. The implications of this situation extend beyond Infantino's presidency, as they may influence FIFA's governance and operational strategies moving forward.