FIFA apologises and backs Infantino after meeting in Marruecos

FIFA apologised to its 211 member associations for errors in handling a withdrawn proposal to sell a stake in a new commercial‑rights entity linked to the World Cup (Mundial), and it reaffirmed full support for President Gianni Infantino after an emergency meeting in Marruecos on Wednesday.

The gathering in Rabat included Gianni Infantino, Secretary‑General Mattias Grafstrom and several members of the Council (Consejo) and Administration (Administración) of the organisation.

At the close of the session, FIFA’s leadership declared its unequivocal backing of Infantino and admitted that the way the initiative was managed “should have been different”.

In a separate communiqué, La FIFA confirmed that it had sent letters to the Council members and all 211 national associations, offering apologies and announcing a review of the process.

The body also warned that, following the definitive withdrawal of the proposal, it will no longer tolerate attacks on its integrity, good governance or due‑process, and will take all necessary measures to protect its reputation.

FIFA apologises for World Cup sale plan, Grafström admits mistake

The abandoned project, withdrawn the week before, aimed to sell 20 % of a new commercial‑rights company to private investors, targeting roughly $4.2 billion to fund football development.

Criticism intensified because the prospective partner had family links to U.S. President Donald Trump, prompting sharp rebukes from UEFA and other international football actors over governance and lack of consultation.

The public apology recognised the errors in promoting the plan, described as the biggest challenge to Infantino’s leadership since he took office in 2016, yet the withdrawal failed to quell criticism; UEFA said Infantino tried to “sell the soul of football” and now doubts his fourth‑term ambitions at the March FIFA Congress in Marruecos.

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Several European federations withdrew their backing, and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said he had “no confidence in Mr Infantino”, adding that not informing senior executives about a project of this magnitude “should be fatal” for any leader.

Grafstrom later sent an internal note lamenting a “sad and reprehensible series of events”, while Kevin Lamour told staff they had been “deceived” and called the venture a one‑person project. Carlos Cordeiro resigned as Infantino’s chief adviser, Arsène Wenger said he was not involved and called the withdrawal “absolutely necessary”, and former player Luis Figo demanded Infantino’s resignation. UEFA vice‑president Laura McAllister said the controversy has brought the president’s leadership to a critical point.

Infantino remained in Marruecos, one of the hosts for the 2030 World Cup, as the Moroccan federation publicly reaffirmed its support ahead of the presidential election. Under FIFA statutes, an extraordinary Congress can be convened if at least 43 members request it; Qatar, Kuwait, Lebanon, Sri Lanka, Indonesia and the Philippines have already voiced support, while African federations have also sent messages, though CAF has not taken an official stance. European Leagues warned FIFA against making unilateral decisions.