Infantino apologised during Thursday’s FIFA Council meeting in Zurich for shortcomings in communication and consultation surrounding FIFA Forward Enterprise.
However, Infantino maintained that the proposal had never been finalised.
The plan would have placed FIFA’s commercial rights under a new subsidiary involving private investors led by Joshua Kushner.
UEFA opposed the proposal, raising concerns about its valuation and the possible sale of a stake in revenue from future tournaments.
UEFA has taken legal action in the US to obtain documents related to the proposal, alleging possible financial mismanagement. FIFA’s lawyers have rejected the allegation and described the legal action as a smear campaign.
Football Association Chair and FIFA Vice-President Debbie Hewitt said Infantino’s continued leadership depended on answering outstanding questions transparently. “The man has to answer those questions, and if the man doesn’t answer those questions, no, the man is not fit to be FIFA President,” Hewitt said.
German Football Association President Bernd Neuendorf said the FIFA Council had not received satisfactory answers.
Infantino promised to respond to outstanding questions in writing.
The dispute comes ahead of the FIFA presidential election scheduled for March 18 in Rabat, Morocco. Candidates must be nominated by November 18.
The Council also agreed to review FIFA’s disciplinary procedures after US Striker Folarin Balogun’s one-match World Cup suspension was overturned.
The decision attracted scrutiny following reports that US President Donald Trump had contacted Infantino.
FIFA will also review the future of the Peace Prize presented by Infantino to Trump in December 2025. Discontinuing the award remains under consideration.
Despite the criticism, Infantino continues to receive support from some FIFA Council members.
Mauritania Football Federation President Ahmed Yahya endorsed Infantino’s continued leadership.
FIFA is also considering increasing financial support for 211 Member Associations to $6.35 billion between 2027 and 2030.
The proposal could provide approximately $25 million to each association.
Funding, disciplinary procedures and the Peace Prize are expected to be discussed at the next FIFA Council meeting in Doha, Qatar, on December 16.
–SABCSport/ChannelAfrica–
