Gianni Infantino: Powerful nations should not monopolize football; all countries must be given a chance.

In a subtle yet sharp critique, FIFA President Gianni Infantino attacked football powerhouses, accusing them of trying to monopolize the sport and stifle the development of other countries, without explicitly naming the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA).

Infantino made these strong remarks after a meeting between representatives of the Dominican Republic and the Caribbean Football Confederation (CFU). At this meeting, he received full support from the CONCACAF member organization, just days after the organization had harshly criticized him.

This crisis stems from the controversial FIFA Forward Corporate (FFE) program. Gianni Infantino proposed selling 20% of the commercial rights to FIFA events, including the World Cup, to private sector investors. CONCACAF and UEFA both believe this move directly threatens their interests.

Infantino responded to critics with strong words, saying, "Unfortunately, some people do not need or want other countries to develop, but we must narrow the gap between major powers, even superpowers, and other countries."

In an interview with FIFA media, the FIFA president added: "It is very important to get involved, to have a dialogue and to express our views, because a lot has happened in the past few weeks and our voices must be heard. I am very pleased to have everyone's support here."

Infantino emphasized that FIFA's fundamental mission is to promote the development of football in the countries and regions where its 211 member associations are located, not to serve the interests of a few powerful nations. He stated, "The powerful nations have made tremendous efforts, and we acknowledge and congratulate them. Obviously, they deserve to continue developing, but we must give all countries opportunities. We must find investment and development opportunities for all countries."

He stated that everything FIFA does is aimed at "creating and providing opportunities to help world football access the resources it needs. This is exactly what we have been working on for the past 10 years and the past 10 weeks, and we will continue to do so in the years to come."

Currently, Gianni Infantino is the only candidate to announce his candidacy for a fourth term in the FIFA Congress elections scheduled for March 18 next year in Rabat. In his final statement, he emphasized the legality of the relevant procedures and stated that everything he did "followed FIFA's standard procedures, and the relevant decisions will be made democratically by member associations, the council, and relevant bodies in full compliance with rules and regulations."