DR Congo backs Gianni Infantino after the abandonment of the FFE project

The Congolese Football Association (FECOFA) has officially expressed its support for Gianni Infantino following FIFA's decision to abandon the FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) project. In a statement signed by its president, Veron Mosengo-Omba, the Congolese federation praised the move as a demonstration of dialogue and responsibility.

Clear support for the FIFA president

For the Congolese federation, the withdrawal of the project shows that the FIFA president was able to take into account the different viewpoints surrounding this reform. FECOFA believes that Gianni Infantino displayed "wisdom" by listening to both supporters and critics before making his decision. The organization also reminds everyone that this episode should not overshadow the Swiss leader's record since he took the helm of FIFA in 2016.

In its statement, FECOFA highlighted that it has benefited greatly from the development programs implemented by FIFA in recent years. Thanks to the FIFA Forward program, many African federations have been able to fund infrastructure, strengthen their organizations, and develop grassroots football. The Congolese federation believes this policy has helped narrow the gap between the wealthiest associations and those with more limited resources, which is why it is renewing its confidence in Gianni Infantino.

Why was the FFE project controversial?

The FIFA Forward Enterprise project aimed to create a commercial structure that could welcome private investors to enhance FIFA's commercial revenues. However, this prospect raised numerous concerns. Several federations, sports governance experts, and observers feared that such a move could gradually undermine FIFA's non-profit model and grant increasing influence to private interests over certain commercial activities of the organization.

In response to these concerns, FIFA ultimately decided to withdraw the project. The question now is whether a revised version of this reform will resurface in the future or if FIFA will prioritize other means to boost its commercial revenues without compromising its current model.

Read also: FIFA: "FIFA Forward Enterprise", several sponsors express concern

Aliou Toundé |

Editorfr