Amaju Pinnick: FIFA’s Investment Plan Is Critical For Football’s Development, Focus Should Be On Fund Integrity
Former Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President and Deputy Chairperson of FIFA’s Men’s National Teams Competition Committee, Amaju Pinnick, has defended FIFA’s proposed investment plan, describing it as vital for the growth of football while insisting that attention should be focused on how any funds are managed rather than the proposal itself.
Speaking during an interview on ARISE News on Thursday, Pinnick rejected criticism surrounding FIFA’s proposal to sell a stake in its commercial rights, arguing that the governing body was seeking to strengthen its member associations.
He said FIFA President Gianni Infantino had the right to table the proposal for consideration.
“Gianni is making a proposal. As president of FIFA, as a head of an organization, you can bring out a proposal. It’s up to you to accept or not. Don’t call everything controversy. He has the right to bring out a proposal.”
Pinnick said the proposal would directly benefit FIFA’s member associations through increased funding.
“The shareholders are the member associations. Nigeria FA. Niger FA. Ghana FA. South Africa FA. These are the main beneficiaries.”
He added that each member association could receive significant financial support if the proposal is approved.
“He said clearly, once this is done, the MAs will receive $20 million.”
Pinnick also said member associations could obtain additional funding through FIFA’s Forward Programme.
“Each MA will have about $20 million. And they work on the FIFA Forward Program. You can also access another $20 million.”
He maintained that the key issue was not the proposal itself but ensuring transparency in how the money is handled.
“What people should be bothered about is the integrity of the funds, the integrity of the personnel, the people, the company. And this company is quoted in stock exchanges all over the world. These are things more people should be bothered about. And the disbursement and the use of the funds.”
Pinnick said FIFA already had systems to safeguard the process.
“I know FIFA also has that control mechanism.”
He argued that the proposed investment would help develop football globally by giving national associations greater financial capacity.
“You’re making funds because you want to empower each member association. So, what it’s doing is critical for the development of football.”
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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