0 months ago
FIFA backs Infantino after crisis talks over shelved privatisation plan
The head of FIFA is a man named Gianni Infantino.
FIFA is the group that runs the biggest soccer tournament in the world, the World Cup.
Mr. Infantino had a plan to let private investors give FIFA lots of money by selling part of the World Cup business.
Many people in soccer did not like this plan, and one group even talked about not playing in the World Cup.
Because of all the anger, Mr. Infantino stopped the plan.
He went to Morocco to talk with other FIFA leaders about what happened.
The FIFA leaders said they still support Mr. Infantino, but they admitted some mistakes were made.
They also said the money plan is completely off the table and sent an apology.
Some leaders and countries still want Mr. Infantino to leave his job.
Mr. Infantino hopes to stay in charge for one more term, with a vote expected in March.
FIFA's leadership acknowledged 'errors' over the shelved FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) plan and reaffirmed its 'full support' for President Gianni Infantino after emergency talks in Morocco.
The FFE proposal - valued at up to $20 billion and potentially raising $4.2 billion - is 'now off the table,' with a review to be reported to the FIFA Council.
UEFA had voted to boycott the World Cup over what it called a 'shabby, back room, opaque deal,' while CONCACAF demanded 'a comprehensive reckoning with this presidency.'
Secretary-general Mattias Grafstrom, whose leaked email called the affair 'a sad and reproachable series of events,' was among those giving Infantino their backing.
Calls for Infantino to step down persisted from European leagues, Luis Figo and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney ahead of a vote on a fourth term expected in March.
- Who
- Gianni Infantino, FIFA's 56-year-old Swiss president, met with FIFA directors including secretary-general Mattias Grafstrom; critics included UEFA, CONCACAF, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, former Portugal star Luis Figo, and FIFA's Arsene Wenger, who distanced himself from the plans.
- What
- An emergency crisis meeting at which FIFA's leadership apologised and acknowledged errors over the now-shelved FIFA Forward Enterprise plan to open the World Cup to private investment, while reaffirming support for Infantino.
- Where
- At FIFA's Africa regional office in Sale, near Rabat, Morocco.
- When
- On Wednesday, days after Infantino withdrew the plan the previous Saturday; reports dated 26 August.
- Why
- To defuse a revolt led by UEFA and CONCACAF over governance and the failed FFE proposal, ahead of a vote on Infantino's fourth and final term expected in Rabat in March.
Pro-Infantino camp
UEFA and CONCACAF critics
The FIFA Forward Enterprise plan
Pro-Infantino camp
Supporters saw FFE as a way to develop world football, and Moroccan Football chief Fouzi Lekjaa called the withdrawal for 'unity and cohesion' a 'wise' move.
UEFA and CONCACAF critics
UEFA called the proposal a 'shabby, back room, opaque deal,' while European leagues called it 'dangerous' and said it raised 'serious questions about FIFA's governance, internal culture and decision-making.'
Infantino's leadership and future
Pro-Infantino camp
FIFA's leadership reaffirmed its 'full support' for Infantino as 'the only official elected by the 211 FIFA Member Associations,' and Lekjaa backed his 'initiatives aimed at the development of world football.'
UEFA and CONCACAF critics
UEFA said it had lost confidence in FIFA's leadership, CONCACAF cited 'poor governance and leadership' and called for 'a comprehensive reckoning with this presidency,' and Mark Carney said he no longer had confidence in Infantino.
Key facts
- Person in focus
- Gianni Infantino, FIFA President (56, Swiss lawyer)
- Meeting outcome
- FIFA leadership reaffirmed 'full support' for Infantino and acknowledged 'errors'
- Meeting location
- FIFA Africa regional office, Sale, near Rabat, Morocco
- FFE proposal status
- 'Off the table'; review to be reported to next FIFA Council meeting
- FFE valuation
- Up to $20 billion
- Potential revenue
- Up to $4.2 billion
- Planned member payments
- One-off $20 million for each of FIFA's 211 member associations; 2027-2030 funding rising from $8 million to $20 million
- Next milestone
- Vote on a fourth and final term expected in Rabat next March; no challenger announced
Quotes
European Leagues representative
EU football leagues coalition
“A sad and reproachable series of events. Individuals, unstable moments and unfortunate episodes come and go. The institution, its mission and its responsibility towards world football continue.”
deccanchronicle.com
“"Now more than ever, FIFA requires governance reform that ensures that all relevant stakeholders have a formal role in decisions that shape the future of our game."”
deccanchronicle.com
UNICEF WORTH
UNICEF WORTH, UEFA spokesperson
“The current FIFA leadership has not only lost UEFA's confidence but also that of many other members of the football family.”
deccanchronicle.com
Sources
Related news
FIFA apologises, backs Infantino after failed World Cup stake plan
FIFA Chief Infantino Calls Crisis Meeting After FFE Plan Backlash
FIFA apologizes for mistakes, backs Infantino after profit plan row
Premier League Chief Condemns Infantino’s World Cup Investment Plan
