Fifa president Gianni Infantino said Wednesday that the proposed launch of a private subsidiary to exploit the commercial benefits of the World Cup was “an opportunity but not an obligation”. Infantino insisted the proposal was centred on unlocking “previously uncaptured commercial value” and was conditional on a democratic vote of Fifa’s 211 member associations and approval by the Fifa council. — UEFA statement on Wednesday after learning of a letter Fifa president Gianni Infantino sent to member associations telling them they had until September 19 to accept the deal. If European football stands united against these plans, that carries a great deal of weight.” “The close relationship between the Fifa president and the US President (Donald Trump) has reached a financial dimension that is deeply damaging football.