The Egyptian Football Association has praised FIFA president Gianni Infantino for withdrawing the controversial FIFA Forward Enterprise proposal after strong opposition from member associations and several confederations.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the Egyptian FA, led by Hany Abou Rida, welcomed Infantino’s decision to abandon the proposal following the feedback and views received from FIFA’s member associations.
“The Egyptian Football Association, under the leadership of Hany Abou Rida, praises FIFA president Gianni Infantino for his decision to withdraw the FIFA Forward Enterprise proposal after the observations and opinions he received from FIFA’s member associations,” the statement said.
The association described the withdrawal as an example of responsible leadership, saying that listening to national associations and acting in the interests of the worldwide football community was essential.
“True leadership is demonstrated by listening to the member associations and taking decisions that best serve the interests of the international football community,” it added.
The Egyptian FA said the decision would strengthen unity within the global football family and reflected the values of communication, consultation and respect for differing viewpoints among FIFA’s members.
It also expressed optimism that FIFA and its member associations would continue working together to find the best ways to achieve their shared objectives.
“The Egyptian Football Association looks forward, with optimism, to FIFA and its member associations working together to find the best ways to achieve these common goals,” the statement continued.
It reaffirmed its “full confidence” in Infantino’s leadership and said it would continue supporting initiatives that serve the interests of FIFA’s member associations and the future of world football.
The Egyptian FA’s statement followed a similar message from the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, which also welcomed the withdrawal of the proposal earlier on Saturday and renewed its support for the FIFA president.
FIFA Forward Enterprise had faced growing opposition because it would have created a new company combining FIFA’s commercial activities with the organisation of its competitions. The plan also proposed making a share of the company available to private-sector investors.
UEFA had threatened to boycott FIFA competitions if Infantino continued with the project. The proposal also attracted opposition from the Asian Football Confederation and CONCACAF.
Carlos Cordeiro, the American who served as a senior adviser to the FIFA president, resigned in protest at the proposal. The plan was also criticised by Kevin Lamour, FIFA’s chief operating officer from France.
Against the backdrop of mounting resistance across the football world, Infantino was forced to announce the withdrawal of the project. The decision, however, has not brought an end to the criticism surrounding his leadership.
UEFA reportedly remains intent on removing Infantino from his position, while CONCACAF has called for a “review of the FIFA presidency”.
