Infantino apologises to FIFA Council but faces calls to prove he is fit to lead
FIFA president Gianni Infantino apologised over a scrapped plan to sell World Cup commercial stakes, but council members and federation chiefs say an apology is not enough.
What happened
FIFA President Gianni Infantino apologised to the FIFA Council over a scrapped plan to sell stakes in World Cup commercial rights to private investors.13458913
The apology came at a FIFA Council meeting in Zurich that lasted over three hours.410
Infantino did not provide new details or documents, and critics said they got no satisfactory answers to their questions.591113
The English Football Association's chair said Infantino is not fit to lead FIFA unless he releases documents related to the FIFA Forward Enterprise and World Cup commercial rights proposal and answers questions about the deal.811
Separate reports say Infantino has lost the support of many football associations ahead of a re-election bid, and that former Italian football federation chief Giovanni Malago and a figure linked to former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger have been mentioned as possible rival candidates.6712
Key points
- Gianni Infantino apologised to the FIFA Council over the failed or scrapped plan to sell World Cup commercial stakes to private investors.13458913
- Infantino's apology did not satisfy his critics, who sought further answers or documentation.345911
- The English Football Association's chair said Infantino is not fit to lead unless he releases relevant documents and answers questions about the World Cup rights deal.811
What the coverage leaves out
- None of the outlets reviewed detailed the specific contents of the scrapped World Cup investment or stake-sale plan.
- None of the outlets reviewed reported Infantino's own direct response to the 'not fit to lead' characterization beyond the apology.
- None of the outlets reviewed specified a timeline or process for the FIFA presidential election being referenced.
Why it matters
Infantino had announced in late July plans to open FIFA's premium competitions, including the World Cup, to private investors, a move that drew sustained pressure before the plan was scrapped.13
What to watch
- Whether Infantino releases documents related to the FIFA Forward Enterprise and World Cup commercial rights proposal, as demanded by the English FA chair.
- Whether rival candidates such as Giovanni Malago or a figure linked to Arsene Wenger formally enter the FIFA presidential race.
Sources (13)
Every outlet we drew on, grouped by where it is based. Read the originals for the full reporting.
North America
- 5ESPNUSPrivate
Europe
- 3BBC SportGBPublic broadcaster
Infantino apologises to Fifa Council - but told he's still not fit to lead
Middle East & Turkey
- 4Al Jazeera EnglishQAState-controlled
FIFA President Infantino apologises to council but critics remain unhappy
- 9Arab NewsSAPrivate
Infantino offers apology but ‘no answers’ at FIFA meeting over World Cup plan
- 11Anadolu AgencyTRState-controlled
Africa
- 1PunchNGPrivate
Infantino apologises to council over scrapped investment plan
- 8VanguardNGPrivate
- 10SABC NewsZAPublic broadcaster
- 12BusinessDayNGPrivate
- 13Channels TelevisionNGPrivate
Infantino Offers Apology But ‘No Answers’ At FIFA Meeting Over World Cup Plan
South Asia
- 6The Express TribunePKPrivate
Infantino could pull off 'Houdini' act as critics struggle for candidate
East Asia
- 2Taipei TimesTWPrivate
Southeast Asia
- 7CNASGState-controlled
Former Italian FIGC chief Malago confirms bid for presidency