United News of Bangladesh

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has abandoned his controversial plan to bring private investors into the commercial side of the World Cup after facing strong opposition from football governing bodies, senior FIFA officials and national associations. Infantino announced on Friday that he was withdrawing the proposal, saying it had created divisions that were no longer in the best interests of world football. "After listening carefully to all views, it has become clear that the project has created divisions that outweigh its intended benefits," he said in a statement. The decision came less than two weeks after Infantino celebrated what FIFA described as the successful conclusion of its expanded World Cup, which generated record revenue and strengthened his position ahead of next year's FIFA presidential election. What was the proposal? The plan would have created a new FIFA subsidiary, called FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), to manage the organisation's commercial business, including World Cup broadcasting rights, sponsorship, ticket sales and hospitality. FIFA planned to raise about $4.2 billion by selling around a 20 percent stake in the new company. The lead investor was expected to be Thrive Eternal, an investment firm launched by Joshua Kushner, whose brother Jared Kushner is US President Donald Trump's son-in-law. Under the proposal, each of FIFA's 211 member associations would have received $20 million from the investment, double the current amount they are due over the next four years. FIFA also projected higher payments in future World Cup cycles. Why did it face opposition? The proposal drew criticism from several FIFA vice presidents, senior FIFA executives, UEFA, football bodies in Asia and North America, national leagues and political leaders. Many feared that private investors would push for larger tournaments and more matches to increase profits, putting further pressure on an already crowded international football calendar. Critics also said Infantino developed the proposal without properly consulting football stakeholders. UEFA took the strongest position, warning that European football associations could boycott FIFA competitions unless the plan was withdrawn. Europe's teams regularly dominate FIFA tournaments, making UEFA's opposition particularly significant. Support remained limited Infantino's traditional supporters in Africa largely stayed neutral, while South American football body CONMEBOL said it would carefully review the proposal before taking a position. Many smaller football associations stood to benefit financially from the increased funding, while wealthier football nations showed less interest in the offer. Questions over Infantino's future Although Infantino has now dropped the proposal, questions remain about whether he can fully restore confidence before FIFA's presidential election next March. The controversy also led to the resignation of senior adviser Carlos Cordeiro, who criticised the investment plan, while FIFA Chief Operating Officer Kevin Lamour publicly defended colleagues involved in the dispute. Infantino was re-elected unopposed in 2019 and 2023 and is eligible to seek one final four-year term. Potential challengers mentioned by football observers include Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaïfi and FIFA vice president Victor Montagliani, although no official candidates have announced plans to run. The failed investment proposal has become one of the biggest challenges to Infantino's leadership since he became FIFA president in 2016.

The violence that erupted in Mexico after the death of a powerful drug lord has left many questioning whether the country will be able to co-host the World Cup in just over three months. FIFA President Gianni Infantino thinks it can. “Of course, we are monitoring the situation in Mexico these days, but I want to say from the outset that we have complete confidence in Mexico, in its president, Claudia Sheinbaum, and in the authorities, and we are convinced that everything will go as smoothly as possible,” Infantino said late Tuesday in a press conference in Colombia. “Mexico is a great country, like in every country in the world, things happen; we don’t live on the moon or another planet,” Infantino added. “That’s why we have governments, police, and authorities who will ensure order and security.” The Mexican army killed Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, “El Mencho,” who led the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, on Sunday, sparking several days of violence. Cartel members burned cars and blocked roads in nearly a dozen Mexican states and authorities report that at least 70 people have died. Four high-level soccer matches from the local leagues were postponed last Sunday, including one in the central city of Queretaro, where Mexico defeated Iceland 4-0 late Wednesday in a friendly match. Before the match, a minute of silence was held in the Corregidora stadium in honor of the soldiers who died during the operation to capture Oseguera. Thirteen World Cup matches are scheduled to be held in Mexico, including the opening game in Mexico City on June 11 between the co-host and South Africa. Guadalajara, the central hub for the Jalisco cartel, is scheduled to host four. Colombia is set to play one game in Mexico City and one in Guadalajara. “Our first two matches are in Mexico, but we know they will overcome this and move forward,” said Ramón Jesurún, the president of the Colombian Soccer Federation. “I have absolute and total confidence in my geopolitical thinking that this is an issue Mexico will overcome, and overcome very quickly.” Other nations have expressed more concern. The Portuguese soccer federation said Tuesday that it was closely monitoring developments ahead of a planned friendly against Mexico in March. Jamaica is set to play New Caledonia in Guadalajara on March 26 in an intercontinental playoff semifinal, with the winner advancing to face Congo for a World Cup spot. “The games are at the end of March, so we still have another month to see what happens; but it is making me very nervous, to be honest,” said Michael Ricketts, the president of the Jamaican Soccer Federation. "We will be listening out for CONCACAF and FIFA to give us instructions (on) whether they are playing the games or whether they are immediately looking for other options.” Another Mexican city, Monterrey, will host a playoff where Bolivia plays Suriname and the winner faces Iraq for a spot in the tournament. On Monday, Sheinbaum said there is “every guarantee” that the World Cup matches in Guadalajara will be played as planned and added that there was “no risk.” “We are in regular contact with the presidency and the authorities in Mexico and we are monitoring the situation,” Infantino said. “The World Cup is going to be an incredible celebration”.