FIFA President Gianni Infantino has reportedly tabled an ambitious project that includes a $10 billion fund for the 211 member federations, in exchange for their support for a new model for managing the most important football competitions.
According to The Times, Infantino intends to create the company "FIFA Forward Enterprise", which will manage the commercial rights of the men's World Cup, women's World Cup and Club World Cup.
If the plan is approved, each member federation will receive around 17.5 million euros, with the right to keep or sell this financial share. The federations have 53 days to decide whether to join the project.
The initiative has sparked strong reactions in international football. UEFA has expressed its opposition to the way the project has been presented, while according to Sky Sports, some European countries are even considering boycotting the World Cup if it is approved.
Criticism has also come from CONCACAF and the Asian Football Confederation, which have denounced the lack of transparency and the fact that they were not consulted on a decision that could change the future of FIFA's most prestigious tournaments.
Another element that has sparked debate is the report that Infantino could take a leadership role in the new company after his term as FIFA president ends in 2031.
