Morocco Throws Support Behind Infantino Following FIFA Enterprise U-Turn
The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) has expressed its support for FIFA President Gianni Infantino after the governing body abandoned its proposed FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) project, a commercial reform that had divided football stakeholders.
In a statement, FRMF President Fouzi Lekjaa welcomed Infantino’s decision to withdraw the proposal, describing it as a move that prioritises unity within world football. He said the decision reflected FIFA’s commitment to preserving consensus while continuing to strengthen the game’s global development.
The Moroccan federation also praised the impact of FIFA’s existing development programmes, particularly across Africa, and reaffirmed its backing for Infantino’s leadership and initiatives aimed at growing football worldwide.
“The unity of the global football family must take precedence over any differences,” the FRMF said, while reiterating its commitment to supporting FIFA’s efforts to develop the sport.
The FIFA Forward Enterprise proposal sought to establish a separate commercial subsidiary to manage FIFA’s revenue-generating assets, including broadcasting rights, sponsorships, ticketing and hospitality for major tournaments such as the FIFA World Cup.
The initiative was designed to attract private investment, with proceeds expected to significantly increase funding available to FIFA’s 211 member associations through an expanded FIFA Forward development programme.
However, the proposal faced strong opposition, particularly from several European football associations under UEFA. Critics questioned the governance structure, the potential influence of private investors over FIFA’s commercial operations, and the long-term implications for the organisation’s independence.
Following weeks of criticism, Infantino confirmed on 31 July that FIFA would not proceed with the project, saying it had created divisions that no longer served its intended purpose.
“Our purpose has always been — and will always be — to unite and improve,” the FIFA president said when announcing the decision.
Morocco’s endorsement follows a similar statement from the Qatar Football Association, which also welcomed FIFA’s decision while reaffirming its confidence in Infantino’s leadership.
The support comes as Morocco prepares to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal, with the tournament’s opening matches scheduled to take place in South America. Analysts have suggested that development funding and preparations for future global tournaments remain key priorities for many member associations.
Although the withdrawal of the proposal has eased immediate tensions, the episode has reignited debate over FIFA’s future governance and commercial strategy.
Infantino, who has served as FIFA president since 2016, is expected to seek another term when the organisation holds its next presidential election in 2027.
FIFA has maintained that its existing development programmes will continue to expand, with supporters arguing that increased investment remains essential to narrowing financial disparities between football’s wealthiest nations and smaller member associations.
As more football federations respond to the decision, Morocco’s backing highlights the continuing debate over how FIFA should balance commercial growth with the governance principles that underpin the global game.
