Pinnick backs FIFA World Cup investment plan, says smaller nations will benefit

Former President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Amaju Pinnick, has defended FIFA’s proposed commercial restructuring of the FIFA World Cup and other competitions, saying the initiative could provide improved financial support to football associations, particularly in smaller and less affluent countries.

Pinnick, who serves as deputy chairperson of FIFA’s Men’s National Teams Competition Committee, spoke on Thursday during an interview on The Morning Show on Arise Television.

He said the proposal, championed by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, would enable member associations to receive substantial funding that could reduce their dependence on government support for football administration.

According to him, each member association could receive up to $20 million if the proposal is approved, while an additional $20 million could be accessed through FIFA’s Forward Programme, bringing potential funding to $40 million.

“If these member associations have access to that $20 million and there is also the FIFA Forward Programme through which they can access another $20 million, then, trust me, they don’t need government to run football. What people should be concerned about is the integrity of the funds, the integrity of the people involved, the consortium or company, and how the funds are utilised,” Pinnick said.

He also dismissed criticism surrounding the plan, arguing that Infantino had the right to present proposals as FIFA president and that member associations remained free to approve or reject them through the organisation’s decision-making process.

FIFA recently unveiled plans to establish FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), a commercial subsidiary that would manage the World Cup and other major competitions. Under the proposal, FIFA would retain majority ownership while selling minority, non-controlling stakes to selected long-term investors in a bid to raise about $4.2 billion.

The proposal has sparked opposition from several football stakeholders. UEFA described the World Cup as “not an asset to trade,” while football bodies in Europe, Asia, North America and South America criticised FIFA for failing to consult them before announcing the plan.