FIFA has apologised to its member associations after dropping its plan to sell part of its commercial rights business. The world football body also gave fresh backing to president Gianni Infantino after a meeting in Morocco.
The proposal would have sold a 20 percent stake in a new commercial company. FIFA expected the deal to bring in about 4.2 billion dollars. The plan was withdrawn last week after strong criticism from football bodies and member nations.
After the meeting in Rabat, FIFA made its position clear.
“Following a meeting in Rabat, Morocco, the FIFA Secretary General and members of the FIFA management board in attendance reaffirmed their full support for FIFA President Gianni Infantino.”
The statement also said Infantino had returned that support.
“In turn, the FIFA President reiterated his full support for the FIFA Secretary General and the FIFA administration for their necessary and outstanding work in the delivery of his vision.”
FIFA admitted the process was not handled well. It accepted that member associations and FIFA Council members should have been more involved before the proposal was announced.
“It was agreed that it was not the intention for the FIFA Council and FIFA member associations to feel excluded from the process and that the process should have been handled differently.”
The governing body also promised to protect its reputation after ending the project.
“FIFA will no longer tolerate any attacks on its integrity, good governance and due process.”
The proposal faced heavy criticism across world football. UEFA said it had lost confidence in Infantino. CONCACAF also raised concerns. The Asian Football Confederation criticised the lack of consultation before the plan was presented.
Former Portugal captain Luis Figo called on Infantino to step down. European Leagues also criticised FIFA for making major decisions without enough discussion. The group also questioned the short review period for the proposed expansion of the 2030 World Cup to 64 teams.
Despite the backlash, Infantino still has strong support from several football associations. Countries including Qatar, Kuwait, Lebanon, Sri Lanka, Indonesia and the Philippines have publicly backed him. He is expected to seek another term as FIFA president next year, and no major rival has entered the race so far.
