FIFA president Gianni Infantino has secured the backing of the organisation’s senior management despite mounting criticism over his failed proposal to introduce private investment into FIFA competitions, including the men’s and women’s World Cups.
At a meeting held at FIFA’s Africa office in Rabat on Wednesday, Infantino acknowledged mistakes made during the handling of the proposed FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) initiative. Following the discussions, FIFA’s management board issued a statement reaffirming its confidence in his leadership, while Infantino and FIFA secretary general Mattias Grafstrom also sent an apology to the organisation’s vice-presidents, council members and all 211 national associations, admitting errors had been made and pledging to avoid repeating them.
The controversy centred on plans to establish FFE, a new subsidiary that would allow private investors to acquire stakes in FIFA competitions. As part of the proposal, member associations were offered up to $40 million in funding in return for their support. The plan collapsed after widespread opposition from within FIFA and across world football.
FIFA admitted the process should have been handled differently and acknowledged that both its council and member associations felt excluded from key discussions. The governing body also accepted mistakes in its response after details of the proposal became public, but maintained that every action taken complied with FIFA regulations. It added that the lessons learned would strengthen governance and restore confidence in the organisation while warning it would defend its reputation against what it described as attacks on its integrity and decision-making processes.
Despite the internal show of support, criticism of Infantino continues to grow. UEFA has declared it no longer has confidence in his leadership, describing the investment proposal as lacking transparency and warning that legal action against FIFA remains under consideration.
Opposition has also come from political and football figures. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said he no longer supports Infantino, while former Portugal international and ex-FIFA presidential candidate Luis Figo urged him to step down following the controversy.
Several national football associations have also begun distancing themselves from Infantino’s expected bid for a fourth presidential term. Wales has already withdrawn its backing, with England expected to follow.
FIFA also rejected reports claiming Infantino had promised Morocco the right to host the 2030 World Cup final in exchange for political support, calling the allegation false and insisting the decision on the final venue, with Spain, Portugal and Morocco jointly hosting the tournament, will be made at a later stage.
Infantino, who has led FIFA since 2016, is still expected to seek re-election at the FIFA Congress in Morocco in March 2027. Candidates have until 18 November to enter the race, with a successful contender requiring the support of at least 106 of FIFA’s 211 member associations.