Gianni Infantino has defended FIFA's explosive proposal to bring outside investors into the commercial future of the World Cup after the governing body's plans sparked outrage across football.
The FIFA president has faced mounting criticism since details emerged of a proposal that could see up to 20 per cent of a new commercial subsidiary sold to external investors, with the venture reportedly valued at around £20billion.
The idea has provoked fierce resistance from UEFA, national associations and senior figures within the game, with concerns growing over the future control of football's biggest competitions.
Some critics have even warned the plans risk creating a deep divide between FIFA and the rest of world football.
But despite the backlash, Infantino insisted the proposal is only the beginning of a consultation process and stressed that FIFA's 211 member associations would ultimately decide whether it moves forward.
Speaking in a video released by FIFA on Wednesday rather than facing questions from journalists, the 56-year-old sought to reassure critics.
"It’s part of a democratic process, a consultation process and, above all, it is an opportunity but not an obligation, and, as I said, it kicks off the consultation process," he said.
Infantino also dismissed suggestions that the governing body was surrendering control of its flagship competitions.
"FIFA obviously continues to govern football without any external interference," he added.
"And the flagship tournament it organises, like the FIFA World Cup or the FIFA Women’s World Cup, will always remain."
The proposals would create a new entity, known as FIFA Forward Enterprise, to oversee the commercial rights to the World Cup and other major FIFA tournaments.
External investors would be offered minority stakes, with Infantino believing the move could generate billions to reinvest into football around the world.
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The FIFA president also thinks the project could raise as much as £7.5billion while creating new revenue streams capable of accelerating the development of emerging football nations.
In a letter sent to FIFA's member associations, Infantino argued the initiative would help create more success stories similar to Cape Verde, who qualified for their first World Cup following the tournament's expansion to 48 teams.
Associations have been told they must respond by September 19, with positive backing potentially unlocking £15million in funding from January.
The proposals have, however, been met with significant resistance.
The Football Association said it had no prior warning of the plans, while UEFA accused FIFA of attempting to rush through one of the most significant commercial changes in the sport's history.
European football's governing body also highlighted the 53-day consultation period, arguing the timetable "says everything you need to know about this plan".
Critics have accused FIFA of prioritising financial gain, with some alleging the governing body is attempting to "enrich themselves and their friends".
Reports have also linked investment firm Thrive Eternal, led by Joshua Kushner, the brother of Jared Kushner, Donald Trump's son-in-law, as a potential investor, adding further scrutiny given Infantino's well-documented relationship with the US President.
With tensions continuing to rise, the coming weeks are likely to prove pivotal as football's governing bodies battle over the future ownership and commercial direction of the World Cup.
How the situation plays out remains to be seen.
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