FIFA president Gianni Infantino has been under fire for his recent investment plans, and the massive football governing bodies around the world are not entertained by the step.
Meanwhile, the Qatar Football Association (QFA) has thrown its support behind Infantino, issuing a statement following his decision to withdraw the contentious FIFA Forward Enterprise proposal.
Qatar’s endorsement stands in contrast to the criticism from several federations and underscores the close relationship between the Gulf nation, host of the 2022 World Cup, and FIFA’s leadership.
Qatar FA’s support for Infantino amid backlash stuns fans after FIFA drops controversial investment plan
In the statement, QFA President Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Thani welcomed Infantino’s move to scrap the plan, which sought to bring private investors into FIFA’s commercial operations and tournament organisation.
While acknowledging that the proposal contained “ideas worthy of study,” the Sheikh praised the prioritisation of unity among FIFA’s member associations as the immediate priority. The statement read:
“The Qatar Football Association fully supports President Infantino’s efforts to continue growing and strengthening the game globally.”
The announcement comes amid significant opposition to the original proposal, particularly from UEFA, which had threatened to boycott the World Cup and called for Infantino’s resignation. Infantino’s withdrawal of the plan was seen as an attempt to quell the growing revolt and maintain cohesion within world football.
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