According to Globo Esporte, Brazilian Football Confederation President Samir Chode has expressed his opposition to Gianni Infantino's proposed reforms to the commercial operation of sporting events.
Brazilian Football Confederation President Samir Chode has commented on a controversial plan supported by FIFA President Gianni Infantino. The plan envisioned establishing a company to manage FIFA's major competitions and selling minority stakes to private investors.
Chaudhry visited Teresina to attend the opening ceremony of the Piauj Football Development Center. During his visit, he stated that he opposed the proposal and that CONMEBOL would discuss South America's position.
Chaudhry stated, "We are discussing this with CONMEBOL, but this is not the solution we favor. We will make a decision together with CONMEBOL, based on our overall position. However, I personally am somewhat opposed to selling these rights."
FIFA's proposal envisions the creation of a company called FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) to centrally manage the commercial operations of events such as the World Cup and Club World Cup. FIFA anticipates raising approximately $4.2 billion by selling minority stakes to private investors while retaining controlling ownership of the new company.
However, the plan encountered strong resistance within international football. UEFA was the first continental football federation to publicly oppose the measure, citing a lack of transparency and stating that football governance should not be viewed as a commercial asset. In the following days, criticism from management, unions, and FIFA insiders further amplified the opposition.
Under pressure, Infantino backed down and abandoned his plans to establish the company. Even so, the political crisis continues. UEFA continues to oppose the FIFA president and attempts to increase pressure on Infantino. Infantino hopes to remain in office until the elections scheduled for March 2027, and some UEFA associations have withdrawn their support for his potential re-election.
Samir Chaudh was in Theresina to attend the opening ceremony of the Piauj Football Development Center. As part of the 2014 World Cup legacy, the center aims to strengthen local football infrastructure and serve as a base for the state's youth training tournaments. It is expected that the center will contribute to player development and improve conditions for local football development.
