FIFA Leadership Backs Infantino Despite Shelved Private Investment Plan

FIFA's governing body has reaffirmed support for President Gianni Infantino following a crisis meeting in Morocco, while apologising for errors in handling a controversial proposal to privatise the World Cup through private investment.

FIFA leadership has publicly backed President Gianni Infantino during a Wednesday meeting in Rabat, Morocco, despite mounting pressure over his handling of a shelved plan to open the World Cup to private investment. The organisation acknowledged making "errors" in the proposal's management and subsequent communication with member associations and media.

The FIFA Forward Enterprise proposal would have created a commercial subsidiary valued at $20 billion, potentially generating $4.2 billion to fund football globally. Member associations were promised one-time payments of $20 million and increased annual funding allocations from $8 million to $20 million for 2027-2030. However, the plan triggered significant backlash from major football confederations. UEFA condemned it as a "shabby, back room, opaque deal," while CONCACAF called for a comprehensive review of Infantino's leadership. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney also withdrew confidence in Infantino's ability to lead FIFA.

Infantino withdrew the proposal on Saturday after the escalating criticism, with UEFA even threatening to boycott the World Cup. FIFA's Wednesday statement acknowledged that member associations should not have felt excluded from the decision-making process and that the handling after the media leak was mismanaged. The organisation committed to reviewing the incident and presenting findings to the FIFA Council at its next meeting.

Despite the controversy, FIFA's management board formally reaffirmed Infantino as "the only official elected by the 211 FIFA Member Associations." Moroccan Football Federation President Fouzi Lekjaa has publicly supported the FIFA president, praising his decision to prioritise "unity and cohesion." Infantino was observed attending a Women's Africa Cup of Nations match in Rabat on Wednesday evening.