Infantino apologizes for errors, warns 'no tolerance for attacks'

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has issued a public apology for missteps related to a controversial proposal that would have allowed private investors to purchase stakes in the World Cup. The plan faced significant backlash from various football bodies, prompting FIFA to withdraw the idea.

In a letter co-signed by Secretary General Mattias Grafström, FIFA admitted that errors were made during the preparation of the project. The organization also acknowledged further irregularities occurred after the proposal was leaked to the media. "We acknowledge that mistakes were made, also after the proposal was leaked to the media," the letter stated.

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We acknowledge that mistakes were made, also after the proposal was leaked to the media.

Infantino and Grafström assured that similar situations would not recur. "We sincerely apologize for these mistakes and commit that they will not happen again," they wrote. FIFA announced that a necessary review of the project's associated actions would be conducted. A report detailing the findings will be presented to the FIFA Council at its next meeting.

The letter also confirmed that Mattias Grafström and the FIFA Executive Committee fully support Gianni Infantino. The FIFA president has faced sharp criticism in recent weeks over the controversial project. The organization's administration was praised for its work in successfully conducting the FIFA World Cup 2026, with the letter emphasizing the unified efforts of the FIFA president, secretary general, and administration.

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We sincerely apologize for these mistakes and commit that they will not happen again.