FIFA president Gianni Infantino has apologised for mistakes made over controversial plans to sell stakes in FIFA competitions to private investors but will remain in office after receiving the backing of senior executives during an emergency meeting in Morocco.
Infantino summoned members of FIFA’s management board to the organisation’s Africa office in Rabat on Wednesday following growing criticism of the abandoned FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) proposal.
Four hours after the meeting ended, FIFA released a statement in which secretary general Mattias Grafstrom and members of the management board “reaffirmed their full support” for Infantino as president.
Infantino and Grafstrom also sent a signed letter to FIFA’s vice-presidents, council and its 211 member associations, saying they “sincerely apologise” for their errors and “commit to them not happening again.”
According to FIFA, mistakes surrounding the FFE proposal were acknowledged during the meeting, adding that it was “not the intention” for the FIFA Council and member associations to feel excluded from the process.
The governing body also admitted that errors were made after details of the proposal were leaked to the media.
Infantino had proposed offering all member associations $40 million (£30 million) in exchange for backing private investment in FIFA tournaments through the new FIFA Forward Enterprise.
The proposal involved private investment in competitions including the men’s and women’s FIFA World Cups.
However, the plan was abandoned after attracting widespread criticism, with UEFA describing it as a “shabby, back room, opaque deal” and saying it had lost confidence in Infantino.
In its statement, FIFA said it would “no longer tolerate any attacks on its integrity, good governance and due process” and would take all necessary measures to protect its name and reputation.
The governing body also insisted that although mistakes were made, everything connected to the proposal was carried out “in full compliance with the FIFA regulatory framework.”
FIFA said it believes the outcome of Wednesday’s meeting would strengthen its governance and restore confidence in the organisation.
The meeting came as criticism of Infantino continued to grow, with former Portugal captain Luis Figo calling on the FIFA president to resign immediately.
Infantino is expected to seek re-election for a fourth term when FIFA elects its next president at the FIFA Congress in Morocco in March 2027.
Candidates have until 18 November to declare their intention to contest the election, with a successful candidate requiring the support of 106 votes from FIFA’s 211 member associations.
(The Sun)