CAF Affirms Support for FIFA Leadership After Forward Enterprise Proposal Withdrawn

CAF Affirms Support for FIFA Leadership After Forward Enterprise Proposal Withdrawn

By Niyi Busari 

The Executive Committee (EXCO) of the Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) has unanimously endorsed the joint update issued by FIFA President Gianni Infantino and FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström regarding the proposed FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), BSNSports.com.ng reports.

In a statement released by CAF, the continental football governing body reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening African football while maintaining the highest standards of governance, accountability and transparency in line with global best practices.

CAF said it had taken note of the FIFA leadership's acknowledgement that mistakes were made during the process surrounding the proposed establishment of the FIFA Forward Enterprise.

According to the joint update, FIFA acknowledged that the process did not adequately involve the FIFA Council and Member Associations and admitted that it should have been handled differently.

"We acknowledge mistakes were made in the process of the proposed establishment of the FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE). It was certainly not the intention for the FIFA Council and FIFA Member Associations to feel excluded from the process and it should have been handled differently. We sincerely apologise for these errors and commit to them not happening again," the statement read.

FIFA also announced that a comprehensive review of the process will be undertaken, with a report to be presented at the next scheduled meeting of the FIFA Council.

The football governing body further confirmed that the proposed FIFA Forward Enterprise—which would have required the approval of both the FIFA Council and FIFA Member Associations—has been withdrawn.

While acknowledging shortcomings in the consultation process, FIFA maintained that all actions taken in relation to the proposal were fully compliant with its regulatory framework.

CAF said its endorsement of the joint update reflects its continued support for efforts aimed at promoting sound governance and transparency across world football, while remaining focused on its strategic objective of developing African football into one of the world's leading football regions.