Pinnick Defends FIFA’s Plan To Sell World Cup Stake

Former Nigeria Football Federation president Amaju Pinnick has voiced strong support for FIFA’s controversial proposal to sell a minority stake in its flagship tournaments, arguing that the plan could deliver up to $20 million per member association and reduce reliance on government funding.

Speaking on Arise Television on Thursday, Pinnick—who sits as deputy chair of FIFA’s Men’s National Teams Competitions Committee—urged stakeholders to evaluate the initiative on its financial merits rather than dismiss it as a controversy.

He noted that FIFA President Gianni Infantino has a track record of delivering on reform promises, citing the increase in annual association funding from $200,000 to $1.25 million after Infantino’s election.

“The shareholders are the member football associations—Nigeria, Niger, Ghana, South Africa and others. These are the main beneficiaries,” Pinnick said, adding that the proposal could unlock substantial new revenue beyond FIFA’s existing Forward Programme.

While the plan has drawn criticism from UEFA and other bodies over concerns about private investors potentially influencing decision-making, Pinnick dismissed such fears, likening the opposition to early skepticism toward VAR. He also played down reports that U.S. President Donald Trump had contacted Infantino about a World Cup refereeing decision, stating that such calls do not constitute interference.

Pinnick acknowledged he had not yet reviewed the formal proposal but expressed confidence that Infantino had consulted extensively before unveiling it.