FIFA President Infantino Apologizes for Mistake but Remains in Leadership

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has publicly apologized for errors made in a controversial plan to introduce private investment in the World Cup. Following a meeting of FIFA’s management board held in Rabat, Morocco, full support for President Infantino was reaffirmed. FIFA also denied reports suggesting that the 2030 World Cup final would be held in Morocco, calling such news misleading and false. Kathmandu, 21 Shrawan.

Infantino admitted to the mistake related to introducing private investment in tournaments such as the World Cup and apologized publicly. However, senior FIFA officials have expressed continued confidence and support in his leadership. After Thursday’s meeting at FIFA’s Africa office in Rabat, Morocco, the management board announced its unwavering support for Infantino.

Previously, the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) had expressed a loss of faith in Infantino, describing the private investment proposal as a “vague and behind-closed-doors agreement.” FIFA Secretary General Matthias Grafström also referred to the incident as “regrettable and reprehensible” in internal communications. Nevertheless, following the management board meeting, both Grafström and the board jointly decided to fully back Infantino as president.

Infantino and Grafström issued a joint letter to FIFA’s vice presidents, council members, and 211 member associations, sincerely apologizing for the mistakes and pledging to avoid such errors in the future. FIFA acknowledged that failing to adequately involve member associations and the FIFA Council in the process was a significant error during the meeting.