Infantino says the proposed initiative had become divisive and will not move forward despite earlier consultations with FIFA member associations.
ZURICH, Switzerland — WEB DESK: Gianni Infantino has announced the withdrawal of the proposed FIFA Forward Enterprise initiative, saying the project had become a source of division within world football and was no longer in the sport’s best interests.
In an official statement, the FIFA president said the proposal had always been conditional on receiving the support of a majority of FIFA’s member associations.
Proposal Officially Withdrawn
Infantino said FIFA had listened carefully to the views of its member associations and other stakeholders before deciding not to proceed with the initiative.
“After hearing all opinions, we have decided not to move forward with the proposal,” he said, adding that the FIFA Forward Enterprise project had now been formally withdrawn.
Focus on Unity
The FIFA president emphasized that the organization’s primary objective remains promoting unity and strengthening global football.
He said FIFA would continue working with all stakeholders and seek to bring them back to the table to support the development of football, particularly in countries that require greater financial and technical assistance.
Infantino added that while the FIFA Forward Enterprise proposal had been abandoned, FIFA’s broader mission of expanding football development worldwide would continue.
The announcement follows recent debate over the proposed project, which drew criticism from some football stakeholders and prompted FIFA to issue a clarification earlier regarding the initiative.
