Gianni Infantino apologises for ‘mistakes’ over World Cup sell-off plan but retains Fifa support
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has apologized for 'mistakes' regarding a controversial plan to sell stakes in World Cup tournaments to private investors. Despite the backlash and a threatened boycott by UEFA, FIFA leadership has reaffirmed their support for him.
Why it matters
The incident underscores the tension between commercialization efforts in global sports and the governance structures of international sporting bodies.
Embattled Fifa president Gianni Infantino has apologised for "mistakes" over his controversial World Cup sell-off plan but senior leaders at world football's governing body have "reaffirm[ed] their full support" for him after a crisis meeting on Wednesday .
Infantino was forced to abandon his plans – namely to sell stakes in the World Cup and other Fifa tournaments to private investors – after public uproar last week, with Uefa confirming a boycott of Fifa events if the plan was voted through.
On Tuesday, Jordan FA president Prince Ali bin Hussein accused Infantino of "blackmail" and, under immense pressure, with his job seemingly on the line, the Swiss-Italian called an emergency meeting with the Fifa management board in Morocco .
Gianni Infantino has retained the support of Fifa (PA Wire)
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