Infantino expressed regret during a three-hour FIFA Council meeting in Zurich on Thursday, amid growing pressure from European football administrators calling for his resignation.
However, the apology failed to resolve concerns over transparency and governance. Football Association (FA) chair Debbie Hewitt maintained that key questions surrounding the proposal remained unanswered.
UEFA leaders have also demanded the release of all documents relating to the commercial plan, alleging that the tournament rights were due to be transferred at a significantly discounted valuation.
The council meeting also considered the FIFA Peace Prize awarded exclusively to United States President Donald Trump in December 2025. The award is reportedly set for review by FIFA’s Football Social Responsibility Committee, with the possibility of cancellation.
In addition, council members examined concerns over the decision to suspend a one-match ban imposed on United States striker Folarin Balogun during the World Cup.
FIFA’s Legal Committee is expected to review the organisation’s disciplinary procedures, with findings on the disciplinary framework and the Peace Prize scheduled to be presented at the next council meeting in December 2026.
Meanwhile, FIFA outlined plans to increase development funding under its Surplus Solidarity Programme to $6.35 billion for the 2027–2030 cycle. The proposed framework would provide approximately $25 million to each member association.
The financial plan will also undergo formal evaluation at the December meeting.
Post a Comment