PFF backs FIFA, Infantino despite scrapped World Cup deal

The Philippine Football Federation publicly showed its support to FIFA and its embattled president Gianni Infantino despite the scrapped proposal which would create a commercial subsidiary to handle FIFA’s events, including the World Cup.

The FIFA Forward Enterprise, in the proposal, would consolidate the football body’s commercial and event operations. This was supposed to be available for external investors to buy a minority stake, as FIFA retains a majority hold in the said enterprise.

According to FIFA, it would triple the amount of development money for its member associations which could be spent on improvements in infrastructure, coaching, and other related issues.

The deal, however, was already scrapped following opposition from different regional bodies such as the UEFA, CONCACAF, and even the Asian Football Confederation which the Philippines is a member of.

In a statement on Wednesday, the PFF said it still supports the goal of the supposed deal, as championed by Infantino.

“The Philippine Football Federation (PFF) believes developing football nations need stronger financial and technical support, and we welcome any serious effort to provide it,” the PFF said.

“We respect the views of UEFA, CONCACAF, the AFC, and fellow Member Associations that proposals of significant structural and financial impact—such as the FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE)—must be discussed openly and democratically. Broad consultation across all confederations and Member Associations protects transparency and helps everyone reach a shared, well-informed decision.”

“Although FIFA has withdrawn the FFE proposal, PFF continues to support the goal behind it, championed by FIFA President Gianni Infantino: expanding commercial and financial assistance to all 211 Member Associations, especially smaller markets like the Philippines,” it added.

The Philippine football body also said it continues to back Infantino.

“We stand behind President Gianni Infantino’s leadership, and trust that continued dialogue among all confederations and Member Associations will keep the global game moving forward together.”

A fellow ASEAN Football Federation member in Indonesia also showed its support to Infantino.

“PSSI reaffirms its continued support for FIFA President Gianni Infantino and its commitment to strengthening collaboration with FIFA and all Member Associations to advance football development in Indonesia & around the world,” the PSSI said.

—Justin Kenneth Carandang/JMB, GMA News