Egypt FA praise Gianni Infantino for scrapping $4.2 Billion FIFA investment plan

The Egyptian Football Association EFA has publicly commended Gianni Infantino following the FIFA President's decision to abandon the controversial proposal to introduce private equity into the global governing body's commercial operations.

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Praising 'True Leadership'

In an official statement released on Saturday evening via its Facebook page, the EFA, led by Hany Abo Rida, expressed strong support for Infantino's decision to withdraw the "FIFA Forward Enterprise" project after receiving widespread feedback and concerns from national member associations.

The Egyptian federation framed the policy reversal not as a defeat for the president but as a demonstration of strength and unity.

"True leadership is embodied in listening to member associations and making decisions that best serve the interests of the international football community" the EFA statement read.

The association added that the withdrawal reflects a genuine desire to preserve the unity of the global football family embodying a spirit of dialogue, consultation, and respect for differing viewpoints.

The statement concluded by renewing the EFA's full confidence in Infantino’s leadership offering continued support for initiatives that benefit member federations and the future of the sport.

The scrapped commercial project

The controversy centered around a proposed corporate restructuring that would have created a new commercial entity, FIFA Forward Enterprise.

FIFA had planned to open this new subsidiary to private investors transferring the management of commercial activities broadcasting rights, ticketing and major events like the World Cup under its umbrella.

The ultimate goal of the project was to raise up to $4.2 billion in immediate capital by selling a minority stake to external financial partners.

However, the plan faced intense scrutiny from various continental and national federations who raised concerns about transparency, governance and the long term influence of private capital on the international match calendar.

Khaled Hegazy |

Editorar, en

Journaliste sportif spécialisé dans la couverture du football et la création de contenu numérique, alliant expérience éditoriale et expertise des médias sociaux.

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