Former Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President Amaju Pinnick has publicly defended FIFA President Gianni Infantino's proposed FIFA Forward Enterprise, pushing back against allegations that the scheme is designed to personally enrich top football officials. The proposal centres on partially privatising FIFA's commercial operations to generate more revenue for distribution to member associations.
Infantino's $40 Million Promise and September Deadline
Infantino has pledged that each member association would receive up to $40 million in funding if the deal is approved, with September 19 set as the deadline for a decision. The Times recently reported that the arrangement could allow Infantino to personally earn millions of dollars annually, sparking widespread criticism across football circles.
Pinnick Recalls Infantino's Track Record
Speaking on Arise News, Pinnick argued that Infantino's history of delivering on promises lends credibility to the new proposal. He emphasised that the FIFA president consults extensively before bringing any initiative forward. “One thing I know is that Gianni does not just wake up and give a proposal; he consults extensively. He is driven and very audacious. A lot of people in the football family do not like it,” Pinnick said.
To support his defence, Pinnick recalled a conversation he had with Infantino before the Swiss administrator was elected FIFA president. At the time, Infantino pledged to dramatically increase funding to football federations. “Now you receive $200,000. Once I get elected, you will now start receiving $1.25 million. I said, 'That is a big lie. Where do you want to get the money from?' He said, 'We did it in UEFA. We turned UEFA around, and we can also do it in FIFA,'” Pinnick recounted.
Fulfilled Promises and Grassroots Development
According to Pinnick, Infantino kept his word immediately after taking office. “When he got elected, he immediately started paying $1.25 million. For a circle, each FA was getting about $6 million,” he noted. Pinnick framed the FIFA Forward Enterprise in the same light, insisting the goal is to strengthen football at the grassroots level rather than serve any individual's financial interests. “You're making funds because you want to empower each member association. So, what it's doing is critical for the development of football,” he said.
CAF's Response to the Proposal
Legit.ng previously reported that the Confederation of African Football (CAF) issued a statement on Infantino's proposed FIFA Forward Enterprise amid the online controversy. CAF confirmed that President Patrice Motsepe would meet with FA presidents to debate the organisation's stance on the initiative. The outcome of those meetings could influence how African football associations vote when the September deadline arrives.
The debate continues to divide opinion, with critics pointing to potential conflicts of interest and supporters citing Infantino's past achievements in increasing funding for national associations.
