FIFA has reaffirmed its support for President Gianni Infantino after a crisis meeting in Morocco over scrapped plans to sell a stake in World Cup commercial rights, while apologising to members over mistakes in handling the process.
The proposal, which aimed to sell a 20% stake in a new FIFA commercial rights entity to private investors and raise around $4.2 billion, was withdrawn last week after strong opposition from football officials and regional confederations.
Infantino faced criticism from inside and outside FIFA, with UEFA and CONCACAF saying they had lost confidence in his leadership and raising questions over his position ahead of next year’s presidential election.
Following the meeting in Rabat, FIFA said its secretary general and management board members had reaffirmed their “full support” for Infantino.
The organisation also said it had sent a letter to FIFA Council members and national associations acknowledging that the process should have been handled differently.
“It was agreed that it was not the intention for the FIFA Council and FIFA member associations to feel excluded from the process,” FIFA said, adding that it would review its approach.
FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafstrom had earlier described the events surrounding the abandoned project as a “sad and reproachable series of events”, while Chief Operating Officer Kevin Lamour said staff had been “deceived” over the plan.
The proposed deal triggered criticism from UEFA and other football stakeholders, who argued that such a major decision required greater consultation.
UEFA said the withdrawal of the proposal was a victory for football but warned that rebuilding trust in FIFA had only begun.
The Asian Football Confederation also criticised the way the plan was presented, saying it lacked transparency and proper consultation.
European Leagues, which represents more than 1,300 clubs, said FIFA should not continue making decisions affecting clubs, players and fans without wider involvement.
Despite the criticism, Infantino continues to have support from several football associations, particularly in regions where national federations depend heavily on FIFA funding.
Several associations, including Qatar, Kuwait, Lebanon, Sri Lanka, Indonesia and the Philippines, have expressed support for the FIFA president.
Infantino, who has led FIFA since 2016, is seeking a fourth term in office at elections scheduled for next year. No clear challenger has emerged so far.
FIFA said it would continue reviewing its governance processes following the controversy, while maintaining that the organisation’s work would continue.
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