Gianni Infantino apologises for errors but remains Fifa president

Gianni Infantino has issued an apology for errors made during controversial proposals to sell off stakes in football competitions to private equity investors, yet he will retain his position as Fifa president after securing backing from senior executives during a meeting in Morocco.

Infantino gathered members of the management board at Fifa's Africa office in Rabat on Wednesday following intense criticism over his abandoned venture. The governing body published a statement of support four hours after the discussions concluded, with Grofstrom and the management board reaffirming their full confidence in his leadership. Afterwards, Infantino and Grofstrom were spotted attending a Women's Africa Cup of Nations match between Malawi and Zambia.

Previously, Infantino had dangled a $40 million (£30 million) incentive to all member associations if they endorsed private investment in tournaments including the men's and women's World Cups through a subsidiary named FFE. However, the scheme collapsed amid fierce backlash. Former Portugal winger Luis Figo publicly demanded his immediate resignation, stating that the current leadership had heavily degraded the office.

"Infantino has debased the office that he promised to elevate. It is too late to save his dignity but it is not too late to save football."

Luis Figo

Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event

Despite facing unprecedented pressure—including Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney losing confidence in his leadership and Uefa threatening legal avenues—Infantino looks prepared to campaign for a fourth term. Challengers must submit their nominations by November 18, with the presidential election scheduled at the Fifa Congress in Morocco in March 2027, where a successful candidate will need 106 votes out of 211 member associations.