Fifa President Gianni Infantino Faces Criticism Over Commercial Rights Proposal

Fifa President Gianni Infantino has claimed he enjoys the support of the vast majority of world football after facing mounting criticism over a proposed sell-off of the governing body's commercial rights.

Infantino's assertion comes as he continues to face pressure from several high-profile football associations, including Uefa and Concacaf. The Fifa president was speaking in a rare interview with BBC Sport about his position following controversy surrounding the Fifa Forward Enterprise (FFE) proposal.

According to Infantino, it is not uncommon for different viewpoints to coexist within organisations like Fifa, saying "there is nothing bad in disagreeing" and that people are often expected to put aside their differences. The president went on to suggest that moving forward requires finding common ground despite differing opinions.

The controversy surrounding the FFE proposal has led several high-profile football associations to call for Infantino's resignation. Uefa, the governing body of European football, was among those who signed a letter accusing Infantino of breaking trust "through deception".

Infantino has been under pressure since last month when he faced mounting calls to stand down as president of Fifa, an organisation he has led since 2016.

Infantino has been actively campaigning for his re-election as Fifa president, having recently toured several countries in Africa and Asia.

During these visits, he appears to have secured significant support from key football governing bodies, including the Asian Football Confederation, which had initially expressed reservations about FFE but ultimately endorsed Infantino's leadership.

In a bid to boost his popularity, Infantino has also proposed a substantial increase in funding for football development worldwide, with a $3.4bn allocation aimed at promoting the sport globally.

This move is seen as an attempt to address criticism that Fifa's commercial activities have prioritized profits over grassroots development and community engagement.

Infantino's efforts to shore up support come after he faced intense pressure from within Fifa's own ranks following his decision to scrap FFE, which had been intended to generate revenue through the sale of commercial rights.

Infantino's efforts to address criticism from within Fifa's ranks are being echoed through his public statements.

The Fifa president recently spoke at the inaugural Under-15 World Cup in Azerbaijan, where he acknowledged that some decisions made by his administration may not have been entirely successful.

He expressed a desire for more frequent dialogue with Uefa, an effort aimed at mending the strained relationship between the two organizations.

Infantino's willingness to engage in open communication is seen as a crucial step towards rebuilding trust and confidence in Fifa's leadership.

In response to questions about his suitability for the position of Fifa president, Infantino emphasized that he was elected by 211 member associations worldwide.

Infantino acknowledged that there are various opinions on how to run Fifa, but emphasized the need for respect towards all views.

The deadline for candidates to confirm their intention to stand against Infantino in the upcoming election is fast approaching, with just a few weeks left until 18 November.

Infantino's re-election prospects have been boosted by recent developments, particularly the support he has received from Asian football associations following a significant U-turn.

Meanwhile, Fifa Under-15 World Cup and Festival underway in Azerbaijan, where Infantino was spotted on Friday attending the event alongside teams from 189 member associations.

The tournament is structured to accommodate young players, with a focus on inclusivity and accessibility. From next year, the event will be open to girls only, marking a significant shift in the competition's format.

In 2028, Fifa plans to introduce an annual joint boys' and girls' tournament, allowing for equal participation and representation of both sexes.