FIFA President Gianni Infantino has issued a grovelling apology after his controversial plan to sell the World Cup to private investors was scrapped, but he has insisted he will not step down from his role.
UEFA backlash and U-turn
UEFA led the backlash against Infantino after his plan to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors was made public, shortly after the final. UEFA voted for the plans not to go ahead, a decision which was confirmed by the governing body, though Infantino has been placed under significant pressure to resign.
He held an emergency meeting in Morocco on Wednesday in a bid to restore support for his re-election next March. Infantino has now conceded defeat with a formal apology, though he intends to press on and remain FIFA President despite widespread demands for his resignation.
Official apology and support
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. 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 It continues: "With the project withdrawn, FIFA will no longer tolerate any attacks on its integrity, good governance and due process and will take all necessary measures to protect and safeguard its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."
Bribery accusations and financial incentives
Meanwhile, FIFA maintains that its leadership conducted 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're jointly hosting with Spain and Portugal - in exchange for backing his scheme.
Federations that supported the proposal to sell World Cup shares were informed they would receive £30million, with part of this sum available in January if they responded favourably by a September deadline. Infantino was even accused of bribery by the president of the Jordan FA, who spoke out on social media.
Prince Ali bin Al Hussein wrote: "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."
