FIFA leadership backs Infantino after crisis meeting, apologizes for failed investor plan

Crisis meeting in Rabat

FIFA's leadership closed ranks around President Gianni Infantino after an emergency session in Rabat, Morocco, on Wednesday evening. Secretary General Mattias Grafström and members of the management board affirmed their "unrestricted support" for Infantino "as the only officeholder elected by the 211 FIFA member associations," according to a statement issued late Wednesday. Infantino in turn expressed full confidence in Grafström and the FIFA administration. The 56-year-old Swiss has led FIFA since 2016 and intends to stand for re-election in March 2027, with a term running through 2031. Who exactly attended the meeting was not disclosed, and the statement did not reflect a vote by the FIFA Council or the 211 member associations.

The failed investment plan

The crisis was triggered by a proposal called "FIFA Forward Enterprise" to sell a 20% stake in a new commercial entity to private investors. The plan, withdrawn the previous week, drew fierce opposition from member associations who felt bypassed. UEFA withdrew confidence from Infantino, and boycott threats from European associations against all FIFA tournaments followed. Several continental federations lined up behind UEFA. Infantino ultimately scrapped the plan.

Internal dissent

Before the Rabat meeting, internal criticism had surfaced. Grafström, in an internal email to FIFA staff, described a "sad and reprehensible series of events" and "turmoil" surrounding the failed plan, without naming Infantino directly. FIFA CEO Kevin Lamour told AP that staff had been "deceived" during the project's preparation and called it the project of a single individual. Infantino's advisor Carlos Cordeiro resigned in protest.

FIFA apologizes and warns critics

In a separate letter to the 211 member associations, FIFA apologized for errors in handling the investment proposal, acknowledging that the FIFA Council and member associations were not meant to feel excluded from the process. The world body conceded the procedure "should have been handled differently." A report on the withdrawn project is to be presented at the next FIFA Council session. At the same time, FIFA struck a combative tone in a joint letter from Infantino and Grafström published by Sky News.

After the withdrawal of the project, FIFA will no longer tolerate any attacks on its integrity, good governance and compliance, and will take all necessary measures to protect and preserve its name and reputation.

Infantino's path to re-election

Despite the turbulence, Infantino is building support for his re-election bid. On Instagram, he announced backing from eight national associations, with Mongolia and the Philippines joining overnight after six previously declared. A total of 106 associations would be needed to secure re-election. The Times of London reported that Infantino had allegedly offered Morocco the 2030 World Cup final in exchange for support in the presidential election, a claim FIFA rejected. After the Rabat meeting, Infantino posted a photo with Grafström at Al Medina Stadium, where they attended a Women's Africa Cup match between Malawi and Zambia.

After a day full of constructive and positive talks with members of the FIFA management board, it was a pleasure to watch a match of the Women's Africa Cup between Malawi and Zambia.

International press reaction

European newspapers were scathing. The Times called Infantino's apology "a last desperate attempt to save himself." The Daily Mail described him as "shameless." The Sun ran the headline "Infanti-No GO." Norway's Dagbladet wrote that Infantino "fought back hard" but questioned whether he still has enough allies. Austria's Krone predicted "new trench warfare" ahead, noting that resistance within the associations has not diminished.