15.10.2026 21:01
FIFA President Infantino apologized for the idea of opening the World Cup to investors. Among those who reacted to Infantino, English Football Association President Debbie Hewitt, emphasizing that many questions remained unanswered in the council, said that Infantino should resign.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino apologized over a proposal to open the World Cup to private investors that drew a backlash from the football community.
''I APOLOGIZE FOR THE MISTAKES''
Speaking at the FIFA Council in Zurich, Switzerland, Infantino said, “First of all, I apologize for the mistakes we made during the communication and consultation process regarding the 'FIFA Forward Enterprise' project, which led to certain consequences. However, it must be remembered that this was a proposal, not a finalized decision. The main aim was to enable FIFA to invest more in our member associations instead of using existing resources.”
DEBBIE HEWITT CALLS FOR RESIGNATION
Meanwhile, Debbie Hewitt, Chair of the English Football Association, one of those who reacted to Infantino, emphasized that many questions remained unanswered at the council and said, “I think he needs to answer those questions; if he does not answer these questions now, he is not fit to be FIFA president.”
Many confederations, league administrations and leading figures in the football world, with UEFA at the forefront, had criticized Infantino's proposal that came to the agenda in July and called on FIFA's management to resign.