FIFA pledges to defend Infantino after World Cup rights plan collapses

FIFA's governing body convened an emergency meeting in Rabat, Morocco, to address mounting internal tensions surrounding President Gianni Infantino's leadership. The gathering followed widespread backlash against a now-withdrawn proposal known as FIFA Forward Enterprise, which sought to monetize World Cup commercial rights by selling a 20 percent stake in a new commercial entity to private investors.

The controversial plan aimed to raise $4.2 billion and involved a company with family connections to the United States presidency. The proposal prompted unprecedented resistance from major football confederations, including UEFA, which issued a formal "document preservation letter" signaling loss of confidence in Infantino's direction. Several senior figures distanced themselves from the initiative, including Infantino's own adviser Carlos Cordeiro, who resigned in protest.

Despite the setback, FIFA's Secretary-General Mattias Grafstrom and management board members publicly reaffirmed their backing for Infantino, describing him as the sole official elected by FIFA's 211 member associations. The organization acknowledged that procedural errors occurred in handling the commercial rights proposal and issued apologies to its managing council and member associations, committing to a formal review and subsequent report.

FIFA stated it would pursue "all necessary measures" to defend its institutional reputation and would no longer accept what it characterized as attacks on its integrity. However, significant opposition persists, with UEFA, Concacaf, and the Asian Football Confederation reportedly prepared to take drastic countermeasures, including potential competition paralysis or rival tournament launches, should Infantino remain in office. Infantino's re-election bid is scheduled for FIFA's Congress in March.