Fifa Discussed Branding Plan for Super League
Gianni Infantino broached the idea of renaming the ill-fated European breakaway competition as a Fifa-led venture during meetings with staff in 2020. According to documents that show direct engagement, the plan would have reshaped football's landscape through joint ventures and new competitions.
The term sheet, drafted and dated October 2020, proposes extensive rebranding efforts, suggesting a close partnership between Fifa and the Super League for at least 12 years. It envisioned a global club competition tied to the Super League’s schedule, impacting how football’s major events are structured.
How FIFA’s Plans Were Shaped
Ventures such as this reflect on FIFA’s vision to exert more control over international competitions, aiming to align club interests more closely with those of global bodies. The initiative came at a time when Infantino was facing criticism for other enterprise projects.
Note: While the document outlines Fifa's enthusiasm for involvement, no final agreement emerged publicly as envisioned in 2021.What’s Next?
FIFA faces ongoing challenges as it navigates internal and external pressures to improve its image. The term sheet highlights past ambitions that were ultimately shelved due to player protests and disapproval from governing bodies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was FIFA directly involved in Super League negotiations?
Yes, the 2020 term sheet reveals that Fifa staff were deeply involved, with documents showing their direct engagement and suggestions for rebranding. Gianni Infantino himself was among those discussing proposals to integrate global competitions.
What impact did this have on the European football associations?
The negotiations potentially threaten member association support by squeezing international windows and redefining competition formats, which can limit national team visibility and fan engagement.