KATOWICE, Poland (AP) — FIFA President Gianni Infantino was present at the opening match of the Under-20 Women’s World Cup, which kicked off on Saturday. His appearance comes at a time when he is facing significant pressure following the collapse of his controversial proposal to sell off World Cup profits.
Infantino was spotted in the stands engaging in conversation with Cezary Kulesza, the president of the Polish soccer federation, as the host nation Poland faced Argentina in the tournament's inaugural game. This event marks a significant occasion in women's soccer, showcasing young talent from around the globe.
In the weeks leading up to the tournament, Infantino had largely remained out of the public eye after his ambitious plan to create a $20 billion subsidiary that would control FIFA’s commercial rights, including those related to the World Cup, faced backlash. This initiative was met with strong opposition from various FIFA member nations, including many from Europe, prompting Infantino to abandon the proposal just days after its announcement.
Despite the withdrawal of the plan, tensions remain high. European nations, which constitute a quarter of the 24 teams participating in the tournament, had previously threatened to boycott the World Cup but ultimately decided against it after receiving assurances from FIFA that the controversial plan would not be revived. However, the legal ramifications of Infantino's initial proposal continue to unfold, with UEFA leading efforts to challenge his presidency ahead of the upcoming FIFA election in 2024.
Recent developments have seen FIFA accuse UEFA of orchestrating a “smear campaign” against its leadership. This accusation came as UEFA sought evidence related to the FIFA Forward Enterprise plan, further complicating the relationship between the two organizations.
Infantino's proposal, which was revealed by The Times shortly after the conclusion of the World Cup, aimed to have a significant portion of its funding come from private investors, including a New York-based fund led by Joshua Kushner. The plan included offers of $20 million to each of FIFA’s 211 member federations, which were given a deadline to accept the proposal. However, the backlash was swift and fierce, leading to its rapid demise.
The Under-20 Women’s World Cup represents a critical platform for emerging female soccer players and is part of FIFA's broader efforts to promote women's sports globally. Infantino's presence at the tournament may signal a renewed focus on women's soccer, even as he navigates the challenges of his presidency.
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