Infantino apologises to FIFA council as critics demand answers on World Cup plan

During a lengthy FIFA council session, President Gianni Infantino apologized for the surprise caused by his private-equity scheme to sell a majority stake in World Cup commercial rights, yet he declined to produce any supporting documents. Council members also received no clarification on the controversial red-card decision involving Folarin Balogun and alleged intervention by U.S. President Donald Trump. European football leaders, including UEFA chief Bernd Neuendorf, criticized the lack of satisfactory responses and emphasized the need for a president who can restore FIFA’s reputation.

FIFA Vice President Debbie Hewitt asked critics to submit written questions, stating that unanswered queries would render Infantino unsuitable for the role. UEFA has filed U.S. court requests to access evidence for a criminal complaint lodged in Switzerland, alleging possible financial mismanagement tied to the venture capital plan led by Joshua Kushner. The meeting also touched on whether FIFA will continue awarding a peace prize originally intended for Trump. Overall, the council left the organization under heightened scrutiny and internal pressure ahead of the March presidential election.