Ex-NFF Boss Pinnick Backs FIFA’s Controversial World Cup Stake Sale

Former Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President, Amaju Pinnick, has expressed support for FIFA’s proposal to sell a 20 per cent stake in the commercial operations of the FIFA World Cup and other major tournaments, arguing that the initiative could significantly boost funding for football associations worldwide.

According to Ireporter Online, Pinnick made the remarks during an appearance on Arise Television on Thursday, where he maintained that the proposal should be assessed based on its potential benefits rather than the controversy surrounding it.

The former NFF boss, who serves as the deputy chairperson of FIFA’s Men’s National Teams Competitions Committee, acknowledged that he had not yet reviewed the full details of the proposal. However, he said FIFA President Gianni Infantino has a track record of carrying out extensive consultations before introducing major reforms.

Pinnick recalled that before Infantino’s election as FIFA president, he promised to substantially increase financial support for member associations, a pledge he said was fulfilled after taking office through the FIFA Forward Programme.

He noted that the latest proposal aligns with Infantino’s approach to expanding football development and generating more revenue for FIFA’s 211 member associations. According to Pinnick, the governing body’s members would remain the primary beneficiaries of the initiative rather than private investors.

The former football administrator explained that if approved, the plan could provide member associations with substantial financial resources, reducing their dependence on government funding. He stressed, however, that stakeholders should focus on ensuring transparency, accountability and proper management of the funds instead of dismissing the proposal outright.

Pinnick also dismissed concerns over the commercial venture by pointing to the introduction of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR), noting that the technology initially faced widespread criticism before eventually becoming an accepted part of modern football.

He further commented on reports involving United States President Donald Trump’s alleged communication with FIFA President Gianni Infantino over a refereeing decision, insisting that such interactions should not automatically be interpreted as interference in football administration.

His remarks come as UEFA and several football organisations continue to question FIFA’s proposed commercial restructuring, citing concerns over governance and the growing influence of private investors in the global game.