FIFA president Gianni Infantino gathered with the organization's directors in Morocco on August 5, 2026, to address mounting criticism over his recently abandoned plan to introduce private investment into the World Cup.
The emergency meeting took place at FIFA's Africa regional office in Sale, near Rabat, where Infantino was also marking the Feast of the Enthronement. The controversial proposal had aimed to create a new commercial subsidiary, FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), to manage major events including the World Cup and Club World Cup.
The plan estimated raising up to $4.2 billion based on a $20 billion valuation of the FFE. FIFA suggested that approval could result in a one-time payment of $20 million to each of its 211 member associations in early 2027 and boost funding allocations for 2027-2030 from $8 million to $20 million.
Instead of support, the proposal triggered fierce backlash, notably from UEFA, which threatened to boycott the World Cup. Following intense pressure, Infantino withdrew the plan last Saturday.
Key points surrounding the controversy include:
- FIFA secretary-general Mattias Grafstrom was reportedly present at the meeting; his leaked internal email criticized the plan as "a sad and reproachable series of events."
- Moroccan Football Federation president Fouzi Lekjaa publicly backed Infantino, praising the withdrawal as a move for unity and cohesion.
- UEFA condemned the proposal as an "opaque deal" and declared a loss of confidence in FIFA's leadership.
- CONCACAF called for a thorough review of Infantino's presidency, citing "poor governance and leadership."
Infantino, who had been riding high after overseeing the largest-ever World Cup with 48 teams co-hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States, now faces significant challenges ahead of his expected fourth term confirmation in Rabat next March.
He commented on the withdrawal, emphasizing FIFA's ongoing commitment to uniting and improving world football despite the recent turmoil.
