Former NFF President Amaju Pinnick has voiced support for FIFA’s plan to sell a 20 per cent stake in the World Cup and other major events to private investors. Pinnick, who serves as the deputy chairperson of the FIFA Men’s National Teams Competitions Committee, argued that the move should be evaluated based on the potential financial benefits for member associations rather than dismissed as controversial.
Addressing the backlash from organizations like UEFA, Pinnick noted that FIFA President Gianni Infantino has a history of successful fiscal reforms. He recalled how Infantino previously increased grants for national associations, suggesting this new proposal could potentially provide member nations with as much as $20 million in additional funding. Pinnick emphasized that these funds could allow national football bodies to operate independently of government financial support.
Regarding concerns that private equity might influence football governance, Pinnick maintained that FIFA employs strong control mechanisms to manage funds and ensure integrity. He compared the current opposition to the skepticism initially faced by the introduction of VAR and other modern football changes. Ultimately, he urged stakeholders to focus on transparency and the potential positive impact on global football development rather than criticizing the initiative prematurely.
