FIFA president Gianni Infantino has apologised for the “mistakes made” in the controversial plan to sell the World Cup. In a letter signed alongside FIFA’s Secretary General Mattias Grafstrom, Infantino issued his first public apology since the scheme was announced and later withdrawn.
Letter Acknowledges Errors
The letter states: “We acknowledge that errors were also made after the proposal was leaked to media.” It continues: “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 adds.
Support for Infantino
Despite calls for Infantino to step down, the letter says that Grafstrom and FIFA’s Management Board “reaffirm their full support” for the chief. The document was released following a meeting with FIFA board members in Morocco on Wednesday.
The letter expresses hope that after the gathering they can “help restore confidence in the organisation” and “continue to develop the game around the world”. It also states that following the withdrawal of the plan, the organisation will “no longer tolerate any attacks on its integrity”.
Rebukes Wrongdoing Claims
The letter rebukes claims of wrongdoing, stating the plan did not break any rules, thereby attempting to consolidate Infantino’s role as president despite worldwide calls for him to go. Infantino has been seen smiling at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations following the emergency meeting.
The crisis talks were initiated as his position appears under threat, with UEFA and CONCACAF both calling for Infantino to step down. To oust the president, 106 nations need to back the motion.
