FIFA President Gianni Infantino has apologised for errors related to a now-abandoned plan to sell stakes in FIFA tournaments to private investors, following an emergency meeting with senior executives in Rabat, Morocco. The proposal, known as FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), would have involved private investment in events including the men's and women's World Cups, in exchange for offering each of FIFA's 211 member associations $40 million. After growing backlash, including criticism from UEFA which called the deal "shabby, back room, opaque," the plan was dropped.
Infantino convened the management board at FIFA's Africa office on Wednesday, where mistakes were acknowledged, particularly around the exclusion of the FIFA Council and member associations from the decision-making process. A statement released four hours after the meeting confirmed that secretary general Mattias Grafstrom and management board members "reaffirmed their full support" for Infantino. In a joint letter to FIFA's leadership and members, Infantino and Grafstrom said they "sincerely apologise" for the errors and pledged they would not be repeated. FIFA maintained that all actions taken were within its regulatory framework, despite the missteps.
The governing body also warned it would no longer tolerate attacks on its integrity and would take measures to protect its reputation. Former Portugal captain Luis Figo has called for Infantino to resign, but the president is expected to seek a fourth term at the FIFA Congress in Morocco in March 2027. Candidates must declare by 18 November, and any successful candidate will need support from 106 of the 211 member associations.
Infantino apologised for bypassing FIFA's Council and members on a major financial decision, yet retained leadership with the same executives who approved the process. If the structure allows such missteps without consequence, member associations may question how much real oversight they actually hold.
Editorial note: AI-assisted opinion, not established fact. Full disclaimer →
