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See the full story · 8 sourcesFIFA President Gianni Infantino has apologized for his attempt to sell stakes in the World Cup -Credit:DeFodi Images, DeFodi Images via Getty Images
A groveling Gianni Infantino has issued an apology for attempting to sell the FIFA World Cup, confirming that the controversial proposal has been SCRAPPED. Infantino has faced fierce backlash since FIFA announced last week — following media reports breaking the story — a plan to sell its competitions to private investors , igniting fury across the soccer community at every level .
UEFA members unanimously voted to boycott FIFA tournaments if the proposal moved forward, while FIFA chief Arsene Wenger publicly opposed it . An emergency meeting was convened in Morocco on Wednesday amid relentless criticism and continuous leaks surrounding the plans, as per The Mirror .
Infantino has now conceded defeat with a formal apology — though he intends to fight on and retain his position as FIFA President, despite widespread demands for his resignation. A letter co-signed by Infantino and FIFA General Secretary Mattias Grafstrom states: "We acknowledge that errors were also made after the proposal was leaked to media.
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"We sincerely apologise for these errors and commit to them not happening again. With this in mind, we will conduct a necessary review, and a report will be presented to the FIFA Council at its next scheduled meeting."
The letter further states that Grafstrom and FIFA's Management Board 'reaffirm their full support' for Infantino, who faces re-election next March. It continues: "With the project withdrawn, FIFA will no longer tolerate any attacks on its integrity, good governance and due process and will take all necessary measures to protect and safeguard its name and reputation."
FIFA has also confirmed that its leadership held a constructive and positive meeting in Rabat. This follows a bombshell report alleging that Infantino had offered Morocco the opportunity to host the 2030 World Cup final — which they are co-hosting with Spain and Portugal — in exchange for their backing of his proposal.
Federations that supported the scheme were reportedly promised £30 million (around $40 million), with a portion available in January for those who responded favorably ahead of a September deadline.
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Infantino even faced accusations of bribery from the president of the Jordan FA, who publicly voiced his outrage on social media .
Prince Ali bin Al Hussein posted: "We pride ourselves in Jordan in upholding ethical values. We did not endorse him before and certainly will not now. But the whole situation amounts to blackmail and we refuse to give in to that."
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