FIFA President Gianni Infantino has refused to say whether he regrets his decision to abandon a controversial proposal involving a stake in the World Cup. Instead, he focused on FIFA’s plans to expand opportunities for players and teams around the world.
Infantino spoke on Saturday while attending the opening match of the Under-20 Women’s World Cup in Katowice, Poland. The tournament marks the first FIFA competition since he withdrew the proposal in July.
The plan would have valued the commercial rights to the World Cup and other FIFA competitions at around $20 billion. However, it faced strong opposition from major football organizations and stakeholders.
UEFA and other regional governing bodies criticized the proposal. Some also threatened boycotts. The backlash eventually forced FIFA to abandon the plan.
Infantino Says It Was Not the Right Time
Infantino avoided questions about whether he regretted the events of the past six weeks.
“There will be a lot to say, but there will be a right place and a right time to say this,” he said.
“It’s not today, it’s not here. But, here today we are enjoying football.”
Instead, the FIFA president praised Poland as the host of the women’s Under-20 tournament. He also highlighted FIFA’s efforts to provide more opportunities to players from different parts of the world.
“This is what we do,” Infantino said. He pointed to FIFA’s goal of increasing participation and giving young players greater opportunities to compete on the international stage.
FIFA and UEFA Remain at Odds
The dispute over the proposed World Cup stake has deepened tensions between FIFA and UEFA.
On Thursday, FIFA accused UEFA of running what it described as a smear campaign against the organization. FIFA also argued that UEFA’s opposition reflected concerns about maintaining Europe’s influence over global football.
Infantino attended the Katowice match alongside several senior FIFA officials. They included Secretary General Mattias Grafstrom and refereeing chief Pierluigi Collina.
UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin did not attend the match. Ceferin had previously ruled out challenging Infantino for the FIFA presidency.
Infantino Signals Possible Election Campaign
Infantino also appeared to lay out an argument for his possible bid for another term as FIFA president.
The next FIFA presidential election is scheduled for March. Infantino suggested that his record of directing resources toward developing football in less wealthy regions could remain central to his campaign.
“We are continuing at FIFA to work to give every corner of the world a chance,” he said.
He added that FIFA wants to create opportunities that allow people to participate, improve their lives and celebrate football.
For now, Infantino has chosen to keep his thoughts on the abandoned World Cup proposal private. His comments in Poland instead placed the focus on FIFA’s global development ambitions and the continued growth of the sport.
