FIFA President Infantino Apologises Over World Cup Sell-Off Plan as Football Leaders Demand Answers.

By Desmond

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has reportedly apologised to members of the FIFA Council over the handling of a controversial proposal to sell a minority stake in the organisation’s commercial business, including rights linked to future World Cups.

The apology reportedly came during a lengthy FIFA Council meeting in Zurich, Switzerland, on October 15, 2026, as tensions continued over the proposed investment deal and concerns about transparency within football’s world governing body.

The proposal reportedly involved Thrive Capital, an investment firm associated with Joshua Kushner. The plan attracted opposition from football officials who questioned whether FIFA had adequately consulted its council before exploring the transaction.

Reports indicate that the proposed deal was abandoned in July 2026 following criticism from stakeholders within the football community.

Infantino’s reported apology focused on the way the proposal was handled, particularly concerns that council members had not been sufficiently consulted before discussions progressed.

However, the apology has reportedly failed to resolve all the disagreements surrounding the issue, with some European football leaders continuing to demand greater transparency and access to relevant documents.

The controversy has raised questions about how FIFA manages its commercial interests and makes important financial decisions that could affect the future of international football.

FIFA generates substantial revenue through major competitions, particularly the men’s World Cup, which attracts global audiences, commercial partners and broadcasting agreements. Any proposal involving the organisation’s commercial rights is therefore likely to attract significant attention from football associations and other stakeholders.

Critics of the proposed arrangement have expressed concerns about the potential implications of bringing private investors into FIFA’s commercial operations. Such concerns include the need to protect the organisation’s long-term financial interests and ensure that major decisions are made through appropriate consultation.

Nevertheless, the reported apology does not necessarily mean Infantino has admitted that the proposed transaction itself was wrong. Rather, the available reports suggest that the handling of the proposal and the consultation process were central to the disagreement.

The development represents another challenge for FIFA’s leadership as the organisation continues to oversee the commercial and sporting aspects of international football.

Whether the apology will ease tensions between Infantino and his critics remains uncertain. Further clarification from FIFA and the football associations involved may be needed to establish whether the disagreement has been resolved.

For now, the controversy highlights the importance of transparency, accountability and consultation in decisions involving one of the world's most influential sporting organisations.

Source: Sky Sports, The Guardian and Associated Press (AP),