FIFA President Gianni Infantino apologised to the FIFA Council on Thursday (October 15) for failing to consult members over a controversial World Cup investment plan, but European football leaders remained dissatisfied with his response.
The proposed $4.2 billion deal, involving US investor Joshua Kushner, was withdrawn in July following widespread criticism. Council members also sought clarification over the reversal of US forward Folarin Balogun’s red-card suspension during the 2026 World Cup.
English Football Association chair Debbie Hewitt and German football chief Bernd Neuendorf criticised Infantino for failing to provide satisfactory answers. The controversy comes ahead of the FIFA presidential election scheduled for March 18, 2027, in Morocco.
-AH