FIFA president Gianni Infantino has issued a public apology for the first time since announcing and later withdrawing a controversial plan to sell a 20 per cent stake in the World Cup. The apology comes in a co-signed letter with FIFA's Secretary General Mattias Grafstrom, marking a significant shift in the organisation's stance.
Apology and Admission of Mistakes
The letter acknowledges that "errors were also made after the proposal was leaked to media." It states, "We sincerely apologise for these errors and commit to them not happening again." The correspondence also confirms plans for a review, with a report to be presented to the FIFA Council at its next scheduled meeting.
This public expression of regret follows the proposal's rejection by three continental confederations and a threat from UEFA to boycott FIFA tournaments until the plan was abandoned. The Swiss official's scheme, which aimed to establish FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) to oversee competitions, faced widespread criticism.
Board Support and Reaffirmation
Despite mounting pressure for Infantino to resign, the letter reaffirms full support for the president from Grafstrom and FIFA's Management Board. The correspondence emerged after discussions with FIFA board members in Morocco on Wednesday, presenting a unified front following the Rabat summit.
However, earlier reports indicated that Grafstrom had sent an email to staff describing the proposal as "sad and reproachable." The Wednesday evening statement sought to project unity, emphasising a commitment to "help restore confidence in the organisation" and "continue to develop the game around the world."
Withdrawal and Integrity Pledge
The letter also asserts that following the withdrawal of the proposal, FIFA will "no longer tolerate any attacks on its integrity." It refutes any suggestion of wrongdoing, claiming the proposal breached no regulations, thereby aiming to strengthen Infantino's position despite widespread demands for his resignation.
Infantino was seen smiling at the Women's Africa Cup of Nations after the emergency board meeting, which was triggered as his presidency appeared to be in jeopardy. UEFA and CONCACAF, the governing bodies for Europe and North/Central America and the Caribbean, have both called for his resignation. To remove the president, 106 nations must support a motion.
