FIFA backs Infantino after crisis talks as World Cup stake-sale backlash deepens

Rabat: FIFA has reaffirmed its support for President Gianni Infantino following a crisis meeting in Morocco, while apologising to member associations over its handling of a controversial proposal to sell a stake in the commercial rights of the FIFA World Cup. The governing body issued a statement after senior FIFA officials met in Rabat, saying the leadership had expressed full confidence in Infantino despite mounting criticism over the now-abandoned plan. The proposal, withdrawn last Friday, would have seen FIFA sell a 20% stake in a new commercial rights entity to private investors in a deal estimated to raise around $4.2 billion. The plan triggered widespread opposition from football associations and stakeholders, with critics arguing that member associations had not been adequately consulted before the proposal was presented. FIFA apologises In its statement, FIFA acknowledged shortcomings in the process and said a letter had been sent to FIFA Council members and national associations apologising for the way the proposal was handled. "It was agreed that it was not the intention for the FIFA Council and FIFA member associations to feel excluded from the process and that the process should have been handled differently," the organisation said. FIFA added that it would undertake a review of the events surrounding the proposal. Following the meeting, FIFA's leadership publicly reaffirmed its backing for Infantino, who has served as president since 2016. The organisation noted that Infantino remains the only official directly elected by FIFA's 211 member associations. Internal tensions emerge The controversy has exposed rare divisions within FIFA's leadership. According to Reuters, FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafstrom circulated an internal memo describing the events surrounding the project as a "sad and reproachable series of events" that ultimately led to the initiative being permanently abandoned. The memo reportedly did not mention Infantino by name but stressed that FIFA's work would continue despite recent turmoil. The comments echoed earlier remarks by FIFA Chief Operating Officer Kevin Lamour, who reportedly said staff had been "deceived" over the proposal and characterised it as the project of a single individual. Pressure grows on Infantino The failed initiative has intensified scrutiny of Infantino's leadership ahead of FIFA's next presidential election, scheduled for March 2027. Several European football associations have withdrawn their support for the FIFA president following the controversy. UEFA publicly stated that it had lost confidence in Infantino's leadership, while concerns were also raised by football officials in North and Central America and the Caribbean. The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) criticised the manner in which the proposal was presented, arguing that it appeared to be a fait accompli without adequate consultation. Former Portugal star Luis Figo has called on Infantino to resign, while UEFA Vice-President Laura McAllister told Reuters that the episode had pushed FIFA's leadership into crisis territory. European Leagues, representing more than 1,300 football clubs, also criticised FIFA this week, accusing the organisation of making major decisions without sufficient consultation with clubs, players and fans. The group additionally questioned FIFA's proposal to expand the 2030 World Cup from 48 to 64 teams, arguing that stakeholders had been given only four weeks to assess its implications. Support remains strong in parts of the world Despite growing criticism, Infantino continues to enjoy significant backing from many football associations, particularly in regions that benefit heavily from FIFA development funding. Several African football officials have publicly expressed support for the FIFA president, although the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has not yet issued a formal position. Under FIFA's voting system, each of the organisation's 211 member associations receives one vote, regardless of footballing stature, meaning smaller nations carry the same electoral weight as traditional powers such as Brazil, Germany, Argentina and Spain. No challenger yet Although the controversy has weakened support for Infantino in some quarters, no significant challenger has yet emerged ahead of the presidential election. That absence of a clear rival could strengthen Infantino's chances of securing another term and extending his presidency until 2031.