Gianni Infantino, FIFA Apologize After World Cup Investment Plan Collapses Amid Growing Pressure

FIFA president Gianni Infantino remains in office despite mounting criticism following the collapse of the governing body’s controversial plan to sell stakes in the FIFA World Cup and other major tournaments to private investors.

Following a crisis meeting in Rabat, Morocco, FIFA sent a letter to all 211 member federations acknowledging mistakes made during the proposed FIFA Forward Enterprise project. The correspondence, jointly signed by Infantino and FIFA secretary general Mattias Grafstrom, included an unusual public apology.

“We acknowledge that there were errors in the proposal to create the project. It was never our aim to exclude the FIFA Council and the member federations from this process. We should have acted differently. We also acknowledge that there were errors following the leak of the proposal to the media,” the letter stated.

FIFA also confirmed that the privatization proposal has been officially withdrawn and apologized for the disruption caused.

“Please accept our sincere apology for these errors. We are committed to ensuring they are not repeated,” the statement added, noting that a detailed report will be presented at the next FIFA Council meeting.

FIFA Reaffirms Support for Gianni Infantino

Despite widespread criticism, FIFA strongly backed Infantino’s leadership and dismissed suggestions of internal division.

“To clarify any confusion, the secretary general and the members of the FIFA board present at the meeting affirm their full support for the FIFA president Gianni Infantino, who is the only person elected by the 211 member federations of FIFA,” the letter said.

The statement further added that Infantino continues to support FIFA’s administration, praising its efforts in implementing his long-term vision for world Football.

FIFA also insisted that while mistakes had been made, none of its regulations or governance procedures were violated.

“We learn from everything, and this experience will help us continue to improve our operations. Nevertheless, it should be noted that despite the occurrence of some errors, FIFA’s regulatory framework was fully respected,” the governing body said.

Growing Pressure on FIFA President

Although FIFA has closed the chapter on its failed investment proposal, pressure on Infantino continues to intensify.

Jordan Football Association president Prince Ali bin Hussein has accused the FIFA chief of blackmail, while Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney publicly stated that he no longer has confidence in Infantino’s leadership.

Portugal legend Luis Figo also delivered a scathing assessment, saying: “I could write 10,000 words on the problems at FIFA. But the solution needs only three: Infantino must go.”

With the investment proposal shelved and criticism continuing from several influential figures across world football, FIFA now faces the challenge of restoring trust while maintaining stability under Infantino’s leadership.