FIFA President Gianni Infantino has apologized for the mishandling of a proposed World Cup venture and stated his intention to continue leading the organization. The apology follows a crisis meeting with top executives after plans to sell shares in a new World Cup enterprise to private investors were met with widespread opposition and calls for his resignation.
Infantino, who appeared outwardly unfazed while watching a Women's Africa Cup of Nations match in Morocco, issued a statement to staff acknowledging errors. "We sincerely apologize for these errors and commit to them not happening again," the statement read. FIFA also updated its website, describing the meeting as "positive and constructive" while admitting mistakes were made in the process.
The FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) proposal faced significant backlash, with FIFA acknowledging that the FIFA Council and member associations felt excluded. The organization stated that the process should have been handled differently and that errors occurred after the proposal was leaked to the media. A review is underway, and a report will be presented to the FIFA Council.
Despite assurances and apologies, pressure on Infantino remains high. UEFA and CONCACAF, governing bodies for European and North/Central American football, have called for his resignation, with Europe declaring a lack of confidence in his leadership. Prince Ali bin Hussein, president of the Jordan FA, also accused Infantino of blackmail, marking a significant protest from an Asian nation.
Football legend Luis Figo was among the prominent figures demanding Infantino's resignation, describing the aborted World Cup sell-off plan as "the lowest, most deceitful and cravenly self-interested behaviour I have ever witnessed." Figo criticized Infantino for a lack of transparency and accused him of attempting to enrich himself and his friends at the expense of the game.
Infantino's administration has faced criticism on multiple fronts. Allies reportedly attempted to secure public support from FIFA legends, but these efforts were unsuccessful. The internal sentiment at FIFA is described by insiders as "rock bottom," with FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström sending an internal email citing "a sad and reproachable series of events."