FIFA has issued an apology to its 211 member associations for mistakes made in its abandoned plan to sell commercial rights related to the World Cup. The governing body's leadership reaffirmed full support for President Gianni Infantino after a crisis meeting held on Wednesday, August 5th, 2026, in Rabat, Morocco.

The meeting was attended by Infantino, FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström, and members of FIFA's management board. FIFA acknowledged that the handling of the withdrawn FIFA Forward Enterprise proposal should have been different and sent a separate letter to FIFA Council members and member associations apologising for the errors and promising a review.

The controversial proposal, which drew scrutiny partly due to the involvement of a company with family links to US President Donald Trump, faced fierce criticism from UEFA and other stakeholders. They accused FIFA of poor governance and a lack of consultation. Former Portugal footballer Luis Figo, who had planned to run for FIFA presidency in 2015, called for Infantino's resignation, while UEFA Vice-President Laura McAllister described the situation as a crisis point for Infantino's leadership.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney also expressed a loss of confidence in Infantino after learning senior advisers were not consulted on the proposal.

Despite the criticism, Infantino has spent the past week in Morocco, a co-host for the 2030 World Cup, whose football association has announced its continued support for him.

However, European Leagues, representing over 1,300 clubs across Europe, warned that FIFA must not be allowed to "continue taking unilaterally disruptive decisions" affecting clubs, players, and fans.

FIFA emphasized that it will no longer tolerate attacks on its integrity, good governance, and due process, stating, "Individuals, unstable moments and unfortunate episodes come and go. The institution, its mission and its responsibility towards world football continue."

Sources