FIFA admits mistakes, but reaffirms support for Infantino after meeting

The meeting brought together Infantino, general secretary Mattias Grafström and members of the FIFA Board of Directors. In a statement, the group declared “full support” for the president, described as the leader chosen by the 211 associations that make up the organization.

Why does Gianni Infantino face pressure at FIFA?

Infantino came under question after trying to move forward with FIFA Forward Enterprise, a subsidiary that would concentrate part of the commercial operations linked to the entity's competitions.

The plan provided for the entry of private investors in revenues associated with the World Cup. The proposal ended up being withdrawn after criticism from confederations, leagues and federations, who complained about the lack of consultation and transparency in the process.

UEFA and Concacaf said they had lost confidence in FIFA's leadership. European league officials also questioned Infantino's stay, while former player Luís Figo publicly defended his departure.

FIFA recognizes errors in commercial project

In the statement released after the meeting, FIFA admitted that the project should have been presented differently to the associations and the entity's Council.

The management acknowledged that members should not have felt excluded and stated that errors also occurred after the proposal reached the press.

A separate letter was sent to the FIFA Council and the 211 national associations with an apology and an assurance that the failures would not be repeated. The entity also announced an internal review, the results of which will be presented at the next Council meeting.

FIFA Forward Enterprise project has been withdrawn

FIFA confirmed that the proposal will not go ahead. The project would need approval from national associations and the Council before being implemented.

The withdrawal occurred after weeks of pressure on Infantino and criticism of the possibility of external investors acquiring a share in commercial revenues from the main competitions organized by the entity.

According to FIFA, all measures related to the proposal were taken within its rules, despite the errors recognized in the communication and political conduct of the process.

Entity promises changes in governance

Management stated that the experience will serve to improve internal procedures, improve dialogue with federations and strengthen governance.

The statement also adopted a tone of reaction to criticism. FIFA has stated that it will not accept attacks on its integrity, reputation or due process and that it will take whatever measures it deems necessary to defend itself.

The entity attributed the success of the 2026 World Cup to its administration and said that the decisions taken in Rabat should contribute to regaining confidence in the organization.

Infantino remains in charge of FIFA

The formal support of the leadership currently reduces the possibility of Infantino's immediate departure. The meeting ended without any indication of the president's resignation or removal.

Despite internal support, the political crisis is not over. UEFA and other entities continue to discuss FIFA's direction and possible alternatives for the presidential election scheduled for March 2027.

Figo blasts Infantino and asks to leave immediately: “You have to leave. Now”

Former Portuguese player claims that Gianni Infantino tried to change the entity's commercial structure for his own benefit. Criticism arises after the failure of the project that would open part of the World Cup business to private investors