Infantino Admits Mistakes and Apologizes
FIFA President Acknowledges Failures in Controversial Investment Plan, Yet Retains Leadership Support and Remains Favorite for Fourth Term
FIFA President Acknowledges Failures in Controversial Investment Plan, Yet Retains Leadership Support and Remains Favorite for Fourth Term
Gianni Infantino, the president of FIFA, has issued an apology for mistakes in the plan to sell part of the commercial rights to competitions to private investors. Despite fierce criticism and calls for his resignation, the leadership of the world football organization has given him full support, and Infantino is not stepping down.
On Wednesday, August 6, 2026, a meeting of the Executive Committee was convened at FIFA's African office in Rabat, following strong backlash against the proposal. Just hours later, FIFA released a statement confirming confidence in the president.
Infantino and FIFA's Secretary General, Mattias Grafström, sent a joint letter to vice presidents, Council members, and all national associations. In it, they express their "sincere apologies" for the failures and promise that such a situation will not recur. As reported by the Financial Times, Infantino also acknowledged in the letter that the controversial private investment plan "should have been handled differently."
The organization admitted that members rightly felt excluded from the decision-making process, especially after details leaked to the public. Despite this, FIFA announced it would not allow attacks on its integrity.
The loudest criticism came from UEFA, which over the weekend announced it no longer has confidence in Infantino. The European football federation called the entire proposal a "non-transparent deal made behind closed doors" and announced potential legal action against FIFA.
There was also discontent within FIFA itself. Secretary General Grafström, in an internal memo to staff, described the situation as a "sad and unjustified series of events," but after the meeting in Rabat, he stood with Infantino along with the rest of the leadership.
Infantino offered national associations $40 million in grants if they supported the creation of a company called FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE). Through it, private investors would acquire stakes in the commercial rights to FIFA competitions, including the men's and women's World Cups.
The plan met resistance because many members claim they were not informed in a timely manner. Additional controversy arose from reports that one of the main beneficiaries of the deal would be investor Joshua Kushner, brother of Jared Kushner, son-in-law of U.S. President Donald Trump.
FIFA denied allegations that Infantino promised Morocco the hosting of the 2030 World Cup final in exchange for political support. The organization stated that this information is inaccurate and that a decision on the host of the final match of the tournament, which is jointly organized by Morocco, Spain, and Portugal, has not yet been made.
The entire affair has also sparked reactions outside the football world. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said he has lost confidence in Infantino, while former Portuguese star Luís Figo called for his immediate resignation.
Despite everything, Infantino remains the main favorite to win a new, fourth term. Elections will be held in March 2027 at the FIFA Congress in Morocco, with the deadline for candidacies set for November 18. To win, at least 106 votes out of 211 member associations are needed.
Although UEFA has withdrawn its support, Infantino still counts on strong backing from associations in Asia and Africa. In recent years, they have been among the largest beneficiaries of funds from the FIFA Forward program. It is precisely this financial support that could be decisive in ensuring Infantino remains in office despite the biggest scandal in his ten years at the helm of world football.
