Archive · 7 Aug 2026
FIFA apologizes for mistakes, backs Infantino after profit plan row
FIFA is the group that runs soccer all around the world.
It has a leader named Gianni Infantino.
FIFA wanted to start a new company called Fifa Forward Enterprise to sell some of the money it makes from the World Cup.
Many people were not happy when they heard about this idea.
They said it was a bad plan and asked the leader to quit.
FIFA said sorry for the mistakes it made.
It said the plan is canceled and will not happen.
The people who work at FIFA had a meeting in Morocco.
At that meeting, they said they still support their leader.
FIFA promised to learn from this and do better next time.
FIFA apologized to its 211 member associations for mistakes in the proposed establishment of Fifa Forward Enterprise (FFE), a subsidiary that would have sold World Cup profits.
The FFE proposal, which FIFA says is now off the table, drew widespread criticism from confederations and former footballers.
Secretary general Mattias Grafstrom signed the apology letter, promising a review with a report to the FIFA Council at its next scheduled meeting.
FIFA held a crisis meeting in Rabat, Morocco, where senior staff reaffirmed their full support for president Gianni Infantino.
Despite earlier distancing himself from the plan, Grafstrom backed Infantino, who in turn reaffirmed his support for Grafstrom.
- Who
- FIFA president Gianni Infantino, secretary general Mattias Grafstrom, and FIFA's 211 member associations.
- What
- FIFA apologized for mistakes in the proposed Fifa Forward Enterprise subsidiary and withdrew the plan to sell World Cup profits.
- When
- The crisis meeting was held on Wednesday; the article gives no specific date.
- Where
- Rabat, Morocco.
- Why
- The proposal drew widespread criticism from confederations and former footballers, with calls for Infantino to step down.
FIFA leadership and staff
Critics and confederations
Fifa Forward Enterprise profit plan
FIFA leadership and staff
FIFA says the proposal has been withdrawn, everything was done in full compliance with its regulatory framework, and it was not intentional for member associations to feel excluded.
Critics and confederations
Confederations and former footballers called it a 'sell-off' of World Cup profits and demanded accountability from Infantino.
Gianni Infantino's presidency
FIFA leadership and staff
At the Rabat crisis meeting, senior staff and secretary general Grafstrom reaffirmed their full support for Infantino's presidency.
Critics and confederations
Calls for Infantino to step down mounted following controversy over his now-abandoned plans.
Handling of the process
FIFA leadership and staff
FIFA admits mistakes were made in the process and communication, and commits to a review, saying there are always lessons to be learned.
Critics and confederations
Grafstrom called the events a 'sad and reproachable series of events,' and FIFA said it will no longer tolerate attacks on its integrity and reputation.
- Governing body
- FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association)
- Member associations
- 211
- Withdrawn proposal
- Fifa Forward Enterprise (FFE)
- Apology signatory
- Secretary general Mattias Grafstrom
- Crisis meeting location
- Rabat, Morocco
- 2030 World Cup hosts
- Morocco, Spain, Portugal
- Review outcome
- Report to be presented at the next FIFA Council meeting