FIFA Apologizes and Reaffirms Support for Infantino After $4.2 Billion Stake Sale Proposal Backlash

FIFA has issued an apology to its member associations following the fallout from its abandoned proposal to sell a 20 percent stake in a new commercial rights entity, a move that was intended to raise approximately $4.2 billion. This decision, which faced significant backlash, was officially withdrawn last Friday. The organization reaffirmed its support for President Gianni Infantino during a crisis meeting held in Rabat, Morocco, on Wednesday.

Proposal Withdrawal and Internal Support

The proposal aimed to attract private investors but was met with fierce criticism from various stakeholders, including internal voices within FIFA. Infantino faced scrutiny regarding his leadership, particularly as questions arose about his re-election as president scheduled for March 2023. In a statement following the meeting, FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafstrom and other management board members expressed their unwavering support for Infantino, emphasizing the importance of unity within the organization.

Grafstrom sent an internal memo to staff, describing the series of events leading to the proposal’s abandonment as “sad and reproachable.” He noted that while individuals and moments may change, FIFA’s mission would persist. His sentiments were echoed by FIFA’s Chief Operating Officer Kevin Lamour, who indicated that staff had been misled regarding the proposal, which he characterized as the initiative of a single individual.

FIFA’s official statement highlighted that Infantino, who has served as president since 2016, is the only official elected by the 211 FIFA member associations. In a separate communication, FIFA addressed its Council members and member associations, acknowledging the errors made and promising a thorough review of the process.

Stakeholder Reactions and Criticism

The proposal drew intense scrutiny, particularly due to its association with a company linked to former U.S. President Donald Trump. European soccer’s governing body, UEFA, along with other stakeholders, voiced strong opposition. Infantino’s decision to withdraw the proposal did little to quell the discontent, leading some European federations to withdraw their support for him.

UEFA publicly stated it had lost confidence in Infantino’s leadership, a sentiment echoed by CONCACAF, which oversees soccer in North and Central America and the Caribbean. The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) also criticized the manner in which the proposal was presented, describing it as a fait accompli without adequate consultation.

Former Portuguese football star Luis Figo, who had previously considered running for FIFA president, called for Infantino’s resignation. UEFA Vice President Laura McAllister remarked that the controversy surrounding the proposal had brought Infantino’s leadership to a critical juncture. European Leagues, representing over 1,300 clubs, urged FIFA to refrain from making unilateral decisions that could disrupt the sport.

Future Implications and Support for Infantino

Despite the backlash, Infantino retains a considerable base of support, particularly among football associations in regions that depend on FIFA’s financial assistance. Leading football administrators in Africa have expressed their backing, as Infantino seeks to consolidate support from the continent’s 54 member associations. The African confederation (CAF) has yet to issue a formal statement regarding the situation.

The executive committee of Oceania, the smallest and least wealthy regional confederation, is scheduled to meet next Wednesday to discuss its position. Countries such as Qatar, Kuwait, Lebanon, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, and the Philippines have publicly declared their loyalty to Infantino, despite the criticism from the AFC.

Under FIFA’s electoral rules, each member association’s vote carries equal weight, regardless of their footballing stature. This means that even the smallest associations, like San Marino, hold the same voting power as traditional powerhouses such as Brazil and Germany. As Infantino looks toward the upcoming election in March, he benefits from the absence of a clear challenger.

Morocco, which will co-host the 2030 World Cup alongside Portugal and Spain, was among the first associations to reaffirm its support for Infantino following the proposal’s withdrawal. A FIFA spokesperson dismissed claims that Infantino had made any promises regarding the hosting of the World Cup final in exchange for support, stating that such assertions were “false and misleading.”

A decision regarding the final’s location will be made by FIFA in due course.

For further details, refer to the source: ARN News Centre.

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Published on 2026-08-06 05:54:00 • By the Editorial Desk