FIFA apologised to its member associations after abandoning its proposal to sell commercial rights linked to the FIFA World Cup. The organisation also reaffirmed its support for President Gianni Infantino following a crisis meeting in Rabat, Morocco.
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The governing body had proposed selling a 20% stake in a new commercial rights entity to private investors. The deal could have raised about $4.2 billion. However, FIFA withdrew the proposal last Friday after widespread criticism.
Leadership Backs Infantino
Despite the controversy, FIFA’s leadership expressed full confidence in Infantino.
In an official statement, FIFA said Secretary General Mattias Grafstrom and members of the FIFA management board reaffirmed their full support for the president. In return, Infantino thanked the secretary general and FIFA administration for their continued work.
Moreover, Grafstrom reportedly sent an internal memo acknowledging the events that led to the project’s cancellation. He stressed that FIFA would continue its work despite recent challenges.
FIFA Promises Better Consultation
Furthermore, FIFA admitted that it should have handled the consultation process differently.
The organisation said it had written to FIFA Council members and national associations to apologise for the mistakes. It also promised to review its internal decision-making process.
FIFA added that member associations should not have felt excluded from discussions. Therefore, future proposals will involve broader consultation before key decisions are made.
Proposal Draws Global Criticism
The commercial rights proposal triggered strong opposition from UEFA and several other football stakeholders.
In addition, CONCACAF announced it had lost confidence in Infantino’s leadership. The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) also criticised FIFA for presenting the proposal without proper consultation.
Former Portugal star Luis Figo called on Infantino to resign. Meanwhile, UEFA Vice President Laura McAllister described the controversy as a major leadership crisis.
European Leagues also criticised FIFA. The organisation urged football’s governing body to avoid unilateral decisions that affect clubs, players and supporters.
Support Remains Strong in Several Regions
However, Infantino continues to enjoy support from many member associations.
Several football federations in Africa, Asia and Oceania have expressed confidence in his leadership. Qatar, Kuwait, Lebanon, Sri Lanka, Indonesia and the Philippines also reaffirmed their support.
Under FIFA’s voting system, every member association has one vote regardless of footballing success. As a result, smaller nations carry the same voting power as World Cup champions.
Meanwhile, no major challenger has officially entered the race ahead of FIFA’s presidential election next March.
FIFA also rejected reports that Infantino had promised Morocco the 2030 FIFA World Cup final in exchange for political support. The organisation said it would decide the host venue through its official process.
