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France 24
France 24
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FRANCE 24

Infantino defends FIFA investment plan amid mounting backlash

FIFA President Gianni Infantino speaking at a podium.
Gianni Infantino in Brussels, 12 February 2026. © Benoît Tessier, Reuters

FIFA President Gianni Infantino insisted member associations would not be forced to back the proposed commercial spin-off, as criticism from UEFA, CONCACAF, the Asian Football Confederation and European officials intensified.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino said Wednesday that the proposed launch of a private subsidiary to exploit the commercial benefits of the World Cup was "an opportunity but not an obligation".

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