FIFA issued an apology for the mishandling of Gianni Infantino’s failed attempt to sell shares in the World Cup and confirmed the continued backing of his presidency by senior officials at a crucial meeting in Morocco. The governing body of world soccer aimed to show solidarity amidst the controversy surrounding Infantino’s proposed actions, which had sparked calls for his resignation. In a statement, FIFA acknowledged errors in the handling of the plan to sell World Cup profits through a commercial entity named FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) and admitted that the process should have been managed differently.
During the meeting in Rabat, Secretary General Mattias Grafström and members of the management board expressed their support for Infantino, with Grafström notably affirming his backing despite previously distancing himself from the abandoned plans. FIFA informed that a letter had been dispatched to FIFA Council and member associations apologizing for the mistakes and ensuring preventive measures to avoid similar issues in the future.
The FFE proposal has been withdrawn, according to FIFA, stating that lessons will be learned from this incident to enhance organizational processes. The impact of the meeting on easing the pressure on Infantino remains uncertain. Earlier, a group representing European soccer leagues, including the Premier League, La Liga, and Serie A, called for governance reforms within FIFA. The association criticized the FFE proposal, labeling it as risky and raising concerns about FIFA’s decision-making processes and internal culture.
The organization emphasized the necessity for governance reforms that involve all stakeholders in shaping the future of soccer. It also rejected any expansion or creation of FIFA competitions until reforms are implemented. Furthermore, former Portugal and Real Madrid player Luis Figo joined the voices calling for Infantino’s resignation, citing a degradation of the office’s integrity.
Regarding reports suggesting promises made by Infantino to Morocco regarding the 2030 World Cup final hosting rights, FIFA refuted such claims, asserting that no commitments had been made. The organization clarified that any decisions regarding the 2030 World Cup will be made in due time. In another development, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed his loss of confidence in Infantino, highlighting governance failures and lack of consultation with senior advisers.
The ongoing challenges have raised doubts about Infantino’s leadership ahead of the upcoming elections. UEFA’s threat to boycott the World Cup if the FFE plan proceeded intensified the pressure on Infantino, with implications for his presidency. Despite the withdrawal of the proposal, UEFA signaled a lack of confidence in FIFA’s leadership, potentially setting the stage for a leadership challenge. Notable figures within FIFA have distanced themselves from the FFE plans, with signs of discontent among the organization’s staff. Infantino aims to secure a final term in office during the upcoming elections.
