FIFA apologises after controversial World Cup investment proposal backlash

WASHINGTON: (Sports Desk) – FIFA’s leadership has issued an apology following the controversy surrounding its proposal to open the World Cup to private investment, while reaffirming its full support for president Gianni Infantino.

In an official statement released after a meeting in Rabat, Morocco, FIFA acknowledged that mistakes were made during the handling of the proposal, particularly after details of the plan were leaked to the media.

The governing body said FIFA Secretary General and members of the FIFA Management Board present at the meeting unanimously backed Infantino, describing him as the only official elected by FIFA’s 211 member associations.

Infantino has faced mounting criticism in recent days, including from within FIFA, over his management of the proposal. Calls for his resignation intensified before he officially withdrew the plan last Saturday.

The proposal aimed to establish a new commercial subsidiary, the FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), which would oversee major competitions, including the FIFA World Cup and FIFA Club World Cup. FIFA estimated the venture could be valued at around $20 billion and potentially raise $4.2 billion through private investment.

According to FIFA, the initiative would have provided each of its 211 member associations with a one-time payment of $20 million in early 2027 while increasing funding allocations for the 2027–2030 cycle from $8 million to $20 million.

However, rather than gaining support, the proposal triggered widespread opposition across the football community. UEFA strongly objected to the idea and even threatened to boycott the FIFA World Cup, prompting FIFA to abandon the plan.

Following the withdrawal, Infantino stressed that FIFA’s primary mission remains to unite the global football community and continue working to improve the sport.