Football community supports FIFA reversal of FFE plan

The global football community has hailed FIFA’s decision to scrap the FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) initiative, a move that Real Madrid described as a win for the sport’s fans and its governing structures. In a formal communiqué, the club praised FIFA for listening to the chorus of dissent that emerged from clubs, confederations and national federations.

Real Madrid underscored that the commercial rights of marquee events like the World Cup belong to the sport’s ecosystem, not to a select group of investors. The club thanked UEFA, continental bodies, national federations and other stakeholders whose united opposition forced FIFA to reconsider the proposal.

The statement argued that clubs are essential to the international game, providing talent pipelines for national teams and should therefore have a say in decisions that shape future commercial earnings. It warned against treating the World Cup as a mere financial instrument, stressing that the tournament is a public‑interest event that belongs to fans, nations and society at large.

Real Madrid also reiterated its stance against the CVC‑backed LaLiga deal, labeling the mortgaging of future broadcast revenues as a dangerous precedent that could destabilise football’s financial model.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino announced the withdrawal after intense lobbying from UEFA, CONCACAF, AFC and other parties. He stated that the proposal had generated division within world football and reaffirmed FIFA’s commitment to unity and the support of its member associations.