FIFA has officially withdrawn its proposed Forward Enterprise Project after mounting opposition from across the football community, with President Gianni Infantino admitting the initiative had become a source of division rather than unity.
The project, designed to expand financial and structural assistance to FIFA Member Associations—particularly in developing football nations—had been promoted as a strategy to strengthen the global game.
However, criticism and resistance from several stakeholders prompted the world football governing body to abandon the proposal.
In a statement issued on Friday, Infantino said FIFA had reconsidered the initiative after consulting widely with its members and partners.
According to him, the project was originally created to provide greater support for member associations and help grow football in regions where resources are limited.
He noted, however, that the discussions surrounding the proposal had exposed deep divisions that were no longer consistent with FIFA’s broader objective of promoting unity within the sport.
Infantino stressed that although the project enjoyed varying levels of support, the disagreements it generated outweighed its intended benefits.
He therefore confirmed that FIFA would no longer pursue the proposal, reiterating that the organisation’s mission remains focused on bringing the global football community together and advancing the game.
The FIFA president also pledged to engage member associations, continental confederations and other stakeholders in fresh discussions aimed at identifying alternative ways to provide assistance to countries with the greatest need.
He expressed optimism that renewed dialogue in the coming weeks would help build consensus on future initiatives capable of expanding football development worldwide while preserving unity across the sport.