NEWS · 15 Oct 2026
Infantino apologises to FIFA Council but remains deemed unfit to lead
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has issued an apology to the FIFA Council for his controversial World Cup sell‑off plan, but the governing body has indicated he is still not fit to lead the organization. The council’s decision underscores growing pressure on Infantino amid ongoing governance concerns, and it signals that further action will be taken before the next election.
Gianni Infantino, the president of FIFA, publicly apologized to the FIFA Council for his proposed World Cup sell‑off plan. The move came after a series of criticisms over the way the tournament’s commercial rights were being handled.
The sell‑off plan, which aimed to redistribute revenue from the 2026 World Cup, sparked debate about fairness and transparency. Critics argued that the strategy could undermine the competition’s integrity and alienate fans and stakeholders.
In response to Infantino’s apology, the FIFA Council expressed that he is still not fit to lead the organization. The council’s statement suggested that further measures would be required before any decision could be made about his future role.
FIFA’s leadership crisis has intensified as the governing body faces calls for reform and accountability. The council’s stance highlights the pressure on Infantino to address governance issues and restore confidence within the football community.
Going forward, the FIFA Council will likely review Infantino’s actions and determine whether additional steps, such as a temporary suspension or a formal investigation, are necessary. The outcome will shape the organization’s direction ahead of the next election and the upcoming World Cup cycle.