FIFA Apologizes for Infantino's World Cup Investment Plan, Vows to Protect Reputation

FIFA's leadership has apologized for President Gianni Infantino's controversial plan to sell a stake in World Cup commercial rights to private investors. The plan, which aimed to raise $4.2 billion, faced widespread criticism and threats of boycott from European soccer's governing body UEFA and others.

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that errors were also made after the proposal was leaked to media.

In a statement following a crisis meeting in Rabat, Morocco, the FIFA management board acknowledged "that errors were also made after the proposal was leaked to media." Infantino has since withdrawn the plan. The board reaffirmed its "full support for FIFA President Gianni Infantino, as the only official elected by the 211 FIFA Member Associations."

The football body stressed it would "no longer tolerate any attacks on its integrity, good governance and due process." The backlash had intensified after the plan was abandoned, with UEFA and CONCACAF stating they had lost confidence in Infantino's leadership. European Leagues also criticized FIFA for making "unilaterally disruptive decisions" without proper consultation, particularly regarding the expansion of the World Cup from 48 to 64 teams for the 2030 tournament.

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Following a meeting in Rabat, Morocco, the FIFA Secretary General and members of the FIFA Management Board in attendance reaffirmed their full support for FIFA President Gianni Infantino, as the only official elected by the 211 FIFA Member Associations.

Infantino faces a re-election bid in March, and until recently, his fourth term seemed assured. However, the recent controversy has cast a shadow over his leadership.

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no longer tolerate any attacks on its integrity, ‌good governance and due process