FIFA Apologises Over Failed Privatisation Plan; Infantino Continues as President

Rabat: FIFA has officially apologised after withdrawing its controversial proposal to partially privatise the organisation's commercial operations. Despite the backlash, FIFA President Gianni Infantino will remain in office, with reports indicating that he has refused to step down.

At an emergency summit held in Rabat, FIFA's executive leadership expressed its full support for Infantino, effectively backing his decision to continue as president.

The controversy centred on Infantino's proposal to privatise the commercial management of the men's, women's and Club World Cups. Under the plan, FIFA intended to establish a new subsidiary, FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), and sell a 20 per cent stake in the company to private investors.

The proposed venture aimed to raise hundreds of millions of dollars by selling stakes linked to the commercial rights of the FIFA Men's World Cup, Women's World Cup and Club World Cup. FIFA had planned to distribute the proceeds among its 211 member associations.

As part of the proposal, FIFA also promised participating member associations additional financial assistance of up to $20 million (two crore rupees) each.

However, the plan failed to gain approval after facing strong opposition from European football associations. Following widespread criticism, FIFA abandoned the proposal and issued a formal apology, although the organisation's executive leadership reaffirmed its confidence in Infantino's leadership.