Rabat [Morocco], August 7 – FIFA has apologized for errors surrounding a failed proposal to sell stakes in World Cup profits while senior officials reaffirmed their support for president Gianni Infantino amid growing criticism over the governing body’s leadership.
In a statement issued after a crisis meeting in Rabat, Morocco FIFA acknowledged that mistakes had been made in handling the proposal to channel World Cup revenues through a commercial subsidiary known as FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE). The organization said the plan had been withdrawn and pledged to improve its decision-making processes.
FIFA said Secretary-General Mattias Grafström and members of its management board expressed full confidence in Infantino’s leadership. The governing body also confirmed that letters had been sent to the FIFA Council and member associations apologizing for the handling of the proposal.
The controversy has intensified calls for governance reforms. European Leagues, representing competitions including the English Premier League, Spain’s La Liga and Italy’s Serie A, described the proposal as “dangerous” and said it raised serious concerns about FIFA’s governance, internal culture and decision-making. The group also opposed any further expansion of the men’s World Cup and warned it would reject new or expanded FIFA competitions until reforms are introduced.
Former Portugal captain Luís Figo also urged Infantino to resign accusing him of damaging the office of FIFA president.
FIFA separately denied reports that Infantino had promised Morocco the right to host the 2030 World Cup final in exchange for political support, calling the claims false. Infantino is expected to seek a fourth and final term in elections scheduled for March.
