Key Takeaways:
- Gianni Infantino apologised after abandoning his proposal to sell shares in FIFA tournaments
- UEFA voted against the plan following the public disclosure of the proposal, increasing pressure on Infantino to resign
- Despite mounting criticism and accusations of bribery, Infantino affirmed he will seek re-election as FIFA President next March
UEFA Opposition and Emergency Talks
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has acknowledged his failed attempt to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors, issuing a formal apology in the wake of strong backlash, particularly from UEFA. The governing body for European football vetoed the controversial plan after it surfaced shortly after the World Cup final, sparking calls for Infantino’s resignation and intense scrutiny from the footballing community.
Under-fire FIFA president Gianni Infantino has shaken off calls to resign – for now – with the backing of the governing body's leaders, though apologised for "mistakes" in his botched attempts to sell off a stake in the World Cup. pic.twitter.com/n9BQjBclY3
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) August 5, 2026
Amid rising criticism, Infantino convened an emergency meeting in Morocco on Wednesday to shore up support for his bid for another term as president, with re-election scheduled for March next year.
Official Statement and Apology
In a letter signed by Infantino and FIFA General Secretary Mattias Grafstrom, FIFA admitted to errors made after the proposal was made public. The letter reads: “We acknowledge that errors were also made after the proposal was leaked to media.
“We sincerely apologise for these errors and commit to them not happening again. With this in mind, we will conduct a necessary review, and a report will be presented to the FIFA Council at its next scheduled meeting.”
The correspondence also confirmed the withdrawal of the project, reiterating the Management Board and Grafstrom’s full backing for Infantino. It continues: “With the project withdrawn, FIFA will no longer tolerate any attacks on its integrity, good governance and due process and will take all necessary measures to protect and safeguard its name and reputation.”
Bribery Allegations and Financial Proposals
Infantino’s leadership came under further scrutiny following allegations published in reports suggesting that Morocco had been offered the opportunity to host the 2030 World Cup final – co-hosted with Spain and Portugal – in exchange for supporting the scheme to sell tournament shares.
Additionally, federations that backed the controversial proposal were reportedly offered £30million, with part of this amount available as early as January, contingent on a positive response by the September deadline. Accusations of bribery escalated after Prince Ali bin Al Hussein, President of the Jordan FA, took to social media and stated: “We pride ourselves in Jordan in upholding ethical values. We did not endorse him before and certainly will not now. But the whole situation amounts to blackmail and we refuse to give in to that.”
Current Standing and Next Steps
Despite the wave of criticism and formal opposition from UEFA, FIFA maintains that its leadership conducted a constructive meeting in Rabat. Infantino, supported by the Management Board, appears determined to carry on as president, with the project abandoned but his resolve for re-election undiminished.
