FIFA backs Infantino after Rabat crisis meeting

FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafstrom and members of the FIFA Management Board on Wednesday reaffirmed their full support for President Gianni Infantino during a crisis meeting in Rabat, Morocco, as the world governing body moved to contain widespread criticism over a withdrawn proposal to sell World Cup commercial rights. Infantino reiterated his support for the secretary general and the administration during the discussions.

The meeting addressed the controversial $20 billion plan under which FIFA had explored selling commercial and operational rights to the World Cup before withdrawing the proposal after facing backlash from stakeholders. The gathering came amid mounting pressure from member associations over the handling of the initiative.

Acknowledgment of errors

FIFA stated that "mistakes made were acknowledged," adding that "it was not the intention for the FIFA Council and FIFA Member Associations to feel excluded from the process and that the process should have been handled differently." The governing body noted that a separate letter apologizing for the errors had been sent to FIFA Council members and national associations.

Proposal off the table

The proposal "is now off the table," FIFA said, adding that it "will no longer tolerate any attacks on its integrity, good governance and due process and will take all necessary measures to protect and safeguard its name and reputation." "FIFA's top management is fully confident that the outcomes of today's meeting will strengthen FIFA's governance, help restore confidence in the organization and enable us to prepare for the major events and challenges ahead," the statement said. The governing body confirmed that findings from the internal review would be presented at the council's next meeting.