Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
France 24
France 24
Sport
FRANCE 24

FIFA backs Infantino but apologises over World Cup investment plan

FIFA president Gianni Infantino leaves after attending a Women AFCON 2026 soccer match between Malawi and Zambia, in Rabat, Morocco, 5 August 2026
FIFA president Gianni Infantino leaves after attending a Women AFCON 2026 football match between Malawi and Zambia in Rabat, Morocco, August 5, 2026. © AP Photo

FIFA's leadership reaffirmed its full support for president Gianni Infantino while apologising for its handling of the now-abandoned plan to open the World Cup to private investment, acknowledging the proposal should have been managed differently after triggering a fierce international backlash.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has received the "full support" of senior directors on Wednesday but world football's governing body apologised for the controversy of the now-shelved plan to open the World Cup to private investment.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.