FIFA president Gianni Infantino has reaffirmed his commitment to his role amid growing scrutiny and controversy surrounding his leadership. On August 6, 2026, FIFA released a statement indicating that Infantino still enjoys the “full support” of the management board present at a crucial meeting.

Apology and Acknowledgment of Mistakes

In a significant turn of events, FIFA has publicly acknowledged the missteps related to the FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) proposal, which aimed to partner with a private investment firm to manage the World Cup. The governing body described this initiative as a failure in both judgment and execution, marking Infantino's first public apology since the controversy began. The statement emphasized that the FIFA Council and Member Associations felt excluded from the decision-making process, a sentiment that FIFA has now recognized as a mistake.

Emergency Talks in Rabat

Following widespread backlash from national federations, Infantino convened emergency discussions with FIFA directors in Rabat, Morocco. The meeting addressed the FFE proposal and acknowledged errors made during its handling, particularly after the proposal was leaked to the media. FIFA's statement, co-signed by Infantino and secretary general Mattias Grafstrom, highlighted the need for better communication and transparency moving forward.

In light of these developments, FIFA has committed to conducting a review of the situation, with a report to be presented at the next FIFA Council meeting. The FFE proposal, which required approval from both the FIFA Member Associations and the FIFA Council, has now been withdrawn, signaling a significant shift in FIFA's approach to governance.