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FIFA apologises to member associations after World Cup commercial rights controversy
06th August, 2026 12:11 PM
World football governing body FIFA has issued an apology to its 211 member associations after abandoning its controversial plan to sell part of the commercial rights connected to the FIFA World Cup, while president Gianni Infantino received renewed backing from the organisation’s leadership during an emergency meeting in Morocco.
The high-level gathering took place in Rabat on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, and brought together Infantino, FIFA secretary general Mattias Grafstrom and members of the FIFA management board. Following the discussions, the governing body confirmed that its senior leadership remained fully behind Infantino, although it admitted the handling of the now-withdrawn FIFA Forward Enterprise proposal should have been managed differently.
In an official statement, FIFA revealed that it had also sent a separate letter to FIFA Council members and all national football associations, acknowledging mistakes made during the process and pledging to examine how similar issues can be avoided in the future.
The organisation further stressed that, with the proposal officially withdrawn, it would “no longer tolerate any attacks on its integrity, good governance and due process” and said it would take every necessary step to safeguard its reputation.
The crisis meeting came as criticism of Infantino’s leadership continues to intensify ahead of the FIFA presidential election scheduled for next year. After the meeting, vehicles believed to be carrying Infantino and Grafstrom were seen leaving FIFA’s African headquarters in Sale.
The controversy erupted after FIFA abandoned a proposal introduced last week that sought to sell a 20 per cent share in a newly created commercial rights company to private investors. The deal was expected to generate around $4.2 billion for football development projects worldwide.
However, the proposal attracted widespread opposition, partly because one of the companies involved reportedly had family connections to U.S. President Donald Trump. UEFA and several other football stakeholders criticised FIFA, accusing it of failing to properly consult members and raising concerns about governance.
FIFA’s apology is viewed as an admission that the process surrounding the proposed commercial rights entity was mishandled. The episode has become the most significant challenge to Infantino’s leadership since he became FIFA president in 2016, with criticism coming from UEFA, several national associations and senior FIFA officials.
Although FIFA withdrew the proposal last Friday, the decision has done little to calm opponents. UEFA has remained one of the strongest critics, accusing Infantino of compromising the game’s values and declaring that it no longer has confidence in his leadership.
The dispute has also complicated what previously appeared to be an easy path for Infantino to secure a fourth term during the FIFA Congress in Morocco next March. While several European football associations have withdrawn their support, concern has also grown because criticism is now coming from within FIFA itself.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney added to the pressure by publicly stating he had lost confidence in the FIFA president after learning that senior officials had not been consulted before the proposal was presented.
“I don’t have confidence in Mr. Infantino,” Carney told reporters, adding that failing to inform senior executives and fellow board members of such a significant proposal “should be fatal” for any leader.
According to sources, Grafstrom also circulated an internal memo to FIFA staff describing the events surrounding the failed project as a “sad and reproachable series of events” that ultimately resulted in it being “permanently abandoned.”
He wrote: “Individuals, unstable moments and unfortunate episodes come and go. The institution, its mission and its responsibility towards world football continue.”
His comments echoed those of FIFA Chief Operating Officer Kevin Lamour, who recently claimed staff had been “deceived” over the proposal, describing it as the initiative of a single individual.
The fallout has already prompted senior adviser Carlos Cordeiro to resign. FIFA’s Chief of Global Football Development Arsene Wenger also distanced himself from the proposal, saying he played no role in its preparation and describing the decision to abandon it as “absolutely necessary.”
Former Portugal star Luis Figo has urged Infantino to step down, while UEFA vice-president Laura McAllister recently said the abandoned proposal had pushed FIFA’s leadership into a full-scale crisis.
Focus turns to presidential election
Infantino has remained in Morocco over the past week, with the country’s football federation reaffirming its support. Morocco will co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
Many observers believe the emergency meeting was intended to strengthen support around the FIFA president and ensure he remains the leading candidate ahead of the March election.
Under FIFA regulations, an Extraordinary Congress can be convened if at least 43 member associations submit a formal written request.
Several countries, including Qatar, Kuwait, Lebanon, Sri Lanka, Indonesia and the Philippines, have publicly expressed support for Infantino.
Throughout his presidency, Infantino has consistently enjoyed strong backing from many developing football nations that depend heavily on FIFA funding.
Meanwhile, European Leagues, which represents more than 1,300 clubs, criticised FIFA for making major decisions without sufficient consultation. It also questioned the short four-week period given to review plans that could expand the 2030 World Cup from 48 to 64 teams.
African support could prove decisive
Infantino is also receiving encouragement from several influential football leaders across Africa as he looks to secure votes from the continent’s 54 FIFA member associations, although the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has not yet announced an official position.
Oceania’s executive committee is expected to meet next week to determine its stance.
Because every FIFA member association carries one vote regardless of footballing success, nations such as San Marino have the same voting power as former world champions Brazil, Germany, Argentina and Spain.
Despite the growing controversy, no serious challenger has yet officially emerged for the FIFA presidency.
Jordan Football Association president Prince Ali bin Hussein, who has previously contested the role twice, made clear he would not support Infantino. On Tuesday, he accused FIFA of “blackmail,” alleging the organisation had offered assistance with football-related issues in exchange for endorsing the current president.
“We did not endorse him before and certainly will not now,” Prince Ali wrote on social media.
FIFA has also dismissed reports suggesting Infantino had promised to influence the selection of the host venue for the 2030 World Cup final.
“It is false and misleading to claim the FIFA president has made any promise in relation to hosting the FIFA World Cup 2030 Final. A decision will be made by FIFA in due course,” a FIFA spokesperson said.
