The UAE Football Association has declared its support for FIFA President Gianni Infantino following FIFA's withdrawal of a proposal to attract private investment. The plan, intended to be executed through FIFA Forward Enterprise, would have granted private investors interests in FIFA competitions, including the World Cup.

Emphasis on Global Football Unity

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, President of the UAE Football Association, welcomed the withdrawal of the proposal, describing it as a decision that serves the interests of global football and preserves unity among FIFA members. He called for future commercial proposals to undergo more rigorous scrutiny before being presented to member associations.

UAE Stance on Competition Rights

The UAE Football Association emphasized that the interests of fans, national associations, and the international football community must remain the priority. The association’s position supports the continued centralized ownership of FIFA competition rights, prioritizing member consensus over the involvement of external investors.

Regional Support for Infantino

Following the UAE's lead, the football associations of Egypt, Qatar, and Morocco also voiced their support for Infantino’s leadership. These organizations welcomed FIFA's responsiveness to the concerns of national associations and highlighted the importance of maintaining cohesion, advancing football development, and supporting financial programs for member associations.

UEFA and Concacaf Concerns

Conversely, while UEFA and Concacaf welcomed the cancellation of the plan, they called for an investigation into governance mechanisms and the approval process. These bodies raised concerns regarding limited consultations, tight timelines, and a lack of transparency concerning financial details and investor rights.

Focus on FIFA Financial Reserves

With the private investment plan set aside, discussions have shifted toward the utilization of FIFA’s financial reserves and the distribution of resources through the FIFA Forward program. UEFA and Concacaf are advocating for increased financial support for national associations, grassroots football, and development projects.

Conclusion

The support from the UAE and several regional associations for Infantino, coupled with demands from UEFA and Concacaf for governance reforms, suggests that the future of FIFA’s financing will increasingly depend on transparency, consultation, and the preservation of collective ownership of competition rights.