Arsène Wenger, FIFA Director of Global Football Development, has supported the decision to scrap a proposal by FIFA President Gianni Infantino to sell stakes in the World Cup. The project, known as FIFA Forward Enterprise, aimed to establish a company valued at approximately $20 billion.
The proposal would have offered up to 20 percent ownership to private investors to manage the commercial rights for the Men's and Women's World Cup and the Club World Cup. This included revenues from television rights, sponsors, tickets, and VIP packages.
The decision to withdraw the plan was 'absolutely necessary'
Pressure and Withdrawal
In late July, President Gianni Infantino offered a one-time payment of $20 million to each of the 211 FIFA members as part of the investment project, with a deadline of September 19 to accept. However, FIFA officially withdrew the entire project on August 1 following pressure from numerous associations.
The project faced opposition from UEFA, which threatened to boycott FIFA competitions in response to the proposal.
Wenger's Role at FIFA
Since 2019, Wenger's responsibilities at FIFA have included overseeing game data analysis, the FIFA online training center, youth competitions worldwide, and the development of youth football through 60 academies in 60 countries. He also serves as a technical advisor for the International Football Association Board (IFAB).
Estimated valuation of the scrapped FIFA Forward Enterprise project
