FIFA President Gianni Infantino gathered with key directors in Morocco on Wednesday for emergency discussions. This meeting follows significant backlash regarding his recent attempt to invite private investment into the World Cup, a proposal he was forced to abandon last Saturday. The gathering took place at FIFA’s regional office in Sale, near Rabat.
Reports indicate that FIFA secretary-general Mattias Grafstrom attended the talks. His position is under scrutiny after a leaked internal email showed him criticizing the controversial investment project. While Infantino currently faces calls for his resignation, he retains support from Moroccan football chief Fouzi Lekjaa, who praised the president’s decision to retract the plan to preserve football unity.
The abandoned proposal aimed to create a commercial entity, FIFA Forward Enterprise, with the goal of raising $4.2 billion. FIFA suggested this could significantly boost funding for its 211 member associations. However, the plan triggered a severe reaction, with UEFA threatening a boycott of the World Cup and labeling the proposal an opaque, back-room deal. CONCACAF also criticized Infantino’s leadership, demanding a broader review of his presidency. Despite the pressure, Infantino remains the sole candidate for a fourth term, with an election scheduled for March.
