Infantino stays FIFA chief as full leadership backs him amid World Cup plan

Gianni Infantino remains provisional president of FIFA after an emergency meeting held in Marokkaanse Rabat, as the organisation’s full leadership publicly reaffirmed their support for him. The decision follows intense pressure that built up after his highly criticised proposal to sell shares of the WK.

The criticism centred on Infantino’s plan to commercialise World Cup (WK) equity, which sparked both external outcry and internal dissent within FIFA. Several senior officials voiced concerns, amplifying the scrutiny on his leadership.

All members of FIFA’s top echelon expressed backing for Infantino, including secretary‑general Mattias Grafström. Grafström had earlier disclosed disappointment over the handling of the investment plan in a leaked email.

Infantino’s crisis meeting in Morocco as allies abandon him

In an online statement, the (Het) FIFA body issued a formal apology to its member associations for mistakes surrounding the investment scheme, stressing that attacks on the organisation’s integrity would not be tolerated.

UEFA had already voiced confidence in Infantino after the investment‑plan episode. Luis Figo, UEFA adviser, described the Swiss official as one of the most unreliable figures he has ever encountered in sport.

The Times reported that Infantino offered Morocco the 2030 World Cup final in Casablanca, with Spain and Portugal also slated as co‑hosts, in exchange for Morocco’s support amid the current FIFA crisis. FIFA categorically denied the report.

With the leadership’s unified endorsement and ongoing dialogue with member associations, FIFA aims to steer through the controversy and stabilise its governance structures.