Proponents of Gianni Infantino’s vision argue that his efforts to modernize FIFA’s financial structure are essential for the long-term growth of global soccer. The proposed FIFA Forward Enterprise was designed to generate significant new capital, which would have provided member associations with increased funding to invest in grassroots development, infrastructure, and local programs. By tapping into private investment, FIFA aimed to create a more sustainable financial model that would reduce reliance on traditional revenue streams and ensure that the benefits of the sport’s massive commercial success are shared more broadly across all 211 member nations.
Supporters emphasize that the current financial landscape of international sports requires bold, forward-thinking strategies to remain competitive and inclusive. They point out that the 2026 World Cup was a record-breaking financial success, and that reinvesting those profits through a dedicated, well-funded subsidiary would have empowered smaller federations that often struggle to secure adequate resources. From this perspective, the backlash against the plan was driven more by political maneuvering and resistance to change than by the actual merits of the proposal, which explicitly stated that FIFA would retain sole control over all sporting and regulatory decisions.
Furthermore, advocates argue that Infantino’s leadership has consistently delivered tangible results, including expanded tournament formats and increased prize money, which have been welcomed by many associations in Africa, Asia, and the Americas. They contend that a sudden leadership change during a period of growth would create unnecessary instability and jeopardize the progress made in professionalizing the organization. For these supporters, the focus should remain on the objective of growing the game globally, rather than allowing internal political disputes to derail initiatives that could provide lasting benefits to the sport’s development.