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FIFA's senior leadership has reaffirmed its support for President Gianni Infantino following a high-level meeting in Rabat, Morocco, while acknowledging mistakes in the handling of the now-withdrawn FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) proposal and pledging to strengthen the organisation's governance processes.
Following the meeting, FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström and members of the FIFA Management Board in attendance expressed their full backing for Infantino, describing him as the only official elected by FIFA's 211 Member Associations. In return, the FIFA President reiterated his confidence in the Secretary General and the FIFA Administration, praising their work in delivering his vision for world football.
The discussions focused on improving the relationship and communication between the FIFA President, the Secretary General and the FIFA Management Board. While officials agreed the existing governance framework had successfully supported the organisation's objectives, they acknowledged there was room to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of internal processes.
The meeting also recognised the FIFA Administration's role in delivering what it described as a successful FIFA World Cup 2026, crediting the tournament's organisation to close cooperation between the President, the Secretary General and FIFA staff working with a unified approach.
FIFA said it believes the outcomes of the meeting will strengthen the organisation's governance, restore confidence and better prepare it for future challenges while continuing its mission of developing football around the world.
A significant portion of the discussions centred on the FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) proposal, which was officially withdrawn earlier this year after attracting widespread criticism from football stakeholders.
Senior officials acknowledged that mistakes had been made throughout the process, including how the proposal was managed and communicated. FIFA admitted it had never intended for the FIFA Council or Member Associations to feel excluded and accepted that the initiative should have been handled differently. It also recognised that further errors were made after details of the proposal were leaked to the media.
In a separate letter sent to FIFA Council members and all 211 Member Associations, FIFA apologised for those mistakes and committed to ensuring similar issues do not occur again. The organisation confirmed that a formal review will now be undertaken, with the findings due to be presented at the next scheduled FIFA Council meeting.
FIFA reiterated that the FFE proposal is no longer under consideration and stressed that, despite procedural shortcomings, all actions taken throughout the process complied with the organisation's regulatory framework.
With the proposal withdrawn, FIFA said it would take all necessary measures to protect its integrity, governance standards and reputation against future attacks, while also using the experience to improve its internal procedures.
Former Arsenal manager and FIFA Chief of Global Football Development Arsène Wenger also distanced himself from the proposal, saying he had no involvement in its development and only became aware of it after media reports emerged.
In a statement, Wenger outlined his responsibilities within FIFA, explaining that he oversees the governing body's global football development programmes, including data analysis, the FIFA Online Training Centre, youth education through 60 academies across 60 countries, and youth competitions around the world. He also serves as a technical adviser to the International Football Association Board (IFAB).
"The recent events at FIFA deserve some clarity from my side," Wenger said.
"At FIFA, I am the Chief of Global Football Development.
"Together with my team, I oversee the data analysis of the game, the FIFA online training centre, the development of youth education through 60 academies across 60 countries where they are most needed, and youth competitions around the world.
"In addition, I am a technical adviser to IFAB.
"I was not involved in this strategic plan and first became aware of the project through media reports."
Wenger added that withdrawing the proposal was the correct course of action.
"The decision to withdraw the project was absolutely necessary and beyond question, because I firmly believe in an independent FIFA that serves our game with commitment, transparency, and integrity."
The withdrawal of the proposal was welcomed by European Leagues, which said abandoning the plan to sell stakes in FIFA's commercial and event-related activities was "the only logical outcome" following widespread opposition across football. However, the organisation argued that both the proposal itself and the way it was handled exposed broader concerns over FIFA's governance, internal culture and decision-making.
European Leagues also criticised FIFA's reported plans to explore expanding the 2030 FIFA World Cup to 64 teams, claiming the governing body had circulated a research brief to agencies on 30 July with only a four-week assessment period and without consulting leagues, clubs or players.
The organisation said FIFA should not continue making unilateral decisions that significantly affect domestic competitions and stakeholders, calling instead for governance reforms that would give leagues, clubs, players and other key football bodies a formal role in shaping the international calendar and future competitions.
European Leagues added that the recent developments reinforced the concerns behind its complaint lodged with the European Commission in October 2024 over what it describes as FIFA's dual role as both the regulator of world football and a commercial operator.
The organisation said it remains confident the European Commission will take action to protect fair competition and ensure compliance with European Union legal principles. Until governance reforms are introduced, including what it described as legally binding engagement with stakeholders, European Leagues said it will continue to oppose the expansion of existing FIFA competitions or the creation of new ones.
Former Portugal captain Luís Figo also publicly criticised FIFA President Gianni Infantino, calling for him to step down in a statement posted on social media.
"Today I join others from across our game and call for Gianni Infantino to resign as FIFA President," Figo wrote.
He accused Infantino of damaging the office of FIFA President, stating: "Infantino has debased the office that he promised to elevate. He has lied, deceived and tried to feather his own nest at the expense of the game he is supposed to serve."
Figo also claimed that Infantino had lost the confidence of key figures within football.
"He has lost the support of his senior staff, his closest advisers, the vast majority of people who devote their lives to this sport and even, it would seem, the FIFA Peace Prize winner."
Concluding his statement, the Ballon d'Or winner said it was time for a change in FIFA's leadership.
"It is too late to save his dignity but it is not too late to save football. He should go. Now."
Looking ahead, FIFA said it will continue working with confederations, regional associations and Member Associations to explore new ways of strengthening the existing FIFA Forward programme, with the aim of supporting football development across all 211 national associations.
Featured Image Credit: Unsplash / Faz Islam
