FIFA President Infantino says associations won’t be forced to back commercial spin‑off

FIFA President Gianni Infantino reaffirmed on Tuesday that national football associations will not be compelled to endorse the organization’s proposed commercial spin‑off, a venture aimed at consolidating broadcasting, marketing and sponsorship rights under a single entity. The statement came amid mounting criticism from several of the sport’s governing bodies, including UEFA, CONCACAF, the Asian Football Confederation and a number of European football officials, who have voiced concerns that the initiative could undermine the autonomy of member associations and concentrate financial power within a new commercial structure.

Infantino emphasized that participation in the spin‑off will remain voluntary and that any decision to join will be taken individually by each association. He added that the proposal is intended to generate additional revenue streams for the global game while preserving the existing governance framework. As the debate continues, the confederations are expected to convene in upcoming meetings to assess the implications of the plan and to ensure that the interests of their member nations are adequately protected.