FIFA Leaders Support Infantino After World Cup Cash Plan Collapses

FIFA's senior leadership has thrown its weight behind President Gianni Infantino following a crisis meeting in Morocco called to address the fallout from his now-scrapped plan to sell World Cup commercial rights for an estimated $20 billion.

Secretary-General Mattias Grafström and the Management Board confirmed their full support for Infantino, who in turn backed Grafstrom and the FIFA administration. FIFA admitted mistakes were made in handling the proposal known as FIFA Forward Enterprise and said member associations felt wrongly excluded from the process. A formal apology letter has been sent to FIFA Council members, with a review to follow at the next council meeting. The plan is officially off the table.

Despite the reconciliation attempt, criticism continues. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said he had lost confidence in Infantino also calling the secrecy around the plan a serious governance failure. UEFA having earlier threatened a World Cup boycott also said it still distrusts FIFA's leadership. CONCACAF echoed similar concerns, and former Portugal star Luis Figo urged Infantino to resign.

Internal cracks have also surfaced. Development chief Arsene Wenger distanced himself from the proposal of senior adviser Carlos Cordeiro resigned and COO Kevin Lamour said staff felt misled.

FIFA separately denied claims it had promised Morocco the 2030 World Cup final in exchange for political support and calling the report false.

Infantino is seeking a fourth term at FIFA's elections next March, with CONCACAF's Victor Montagliani seen as a possible rival candidate.