FIFA admits mishandling of private investment plan for World Cup

FIFA’s top officials, Gianni Infantino and Mattias Grafstrom, have signed a leaked letter that admits the governing body mishandled its plan to involve private investors in World Cup events. The correspondence, first shared by a correspondent at one outlet, states that mistakes were made both in the proposal’s development and after it was leaked to the media. An apology is offered, along with a commitment to conduct a review and present findings to the FIFA Council at its next meeting.

The letter also confirms that the FIFA Forward Enterprise initiative will be withdrawn. Additionally, FIFA declares it will no longer tolerate attacks on its integrity, good governance, or due process, pledging to protect its reputation. Critics view the admission as insufficient given the widespread backlash from football associations worldwide.