FIFA’s top leadership has reaffirmed its full support for President Gianni Infantino following a high-level meeting in Rabat, Morocco, on Wednesday, August 5, as the organisation faces growing scrutiny over its leadership and governance.
The meeting comes after several high-profile figures in world football called for Infantino to step down, arguing that confidence in his leadership has declined among parts of the football community.
Critics have questioned FIFA’s transparency and decision-making processes, raising concerns over whether the organisation has maintained the accountability expected of football’s global governing body.
In a statement released after the Rabat meeting, FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström and members of the FIFA Management Board in attendance expressed their “full support” for Infantino, describing him as the only official elected by FIFA’s 211 Member Associations.
Infantino also reiterated his confidence in Grafström and the FIFA administration, praising their efforts in implementing his vision for the organisation.
The meeting also addressed the controversial FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) proposal, with FIFA admitting that mistakes were made in how the process was handled.
The governing body acknowledged that FIFA Council members and Member Associations should not have felt excluded from discussions over the proposal and admitted that the process could have been managed better.
FIFA also accepted that further errors were made after details of the proposal were leaked to the media.
A review of the process will now be conducted, with the findings expected to be presented at the next FIFA Council meeting. FIFA said it has apologised to the Council and Member Associations and pledged to avoid similar issues in the future.
The FFE proposal, which required approval from FIFA’s Member Associations and the FIFA Council, has now been withdrawn and is no longer being pursued.
Despite admitting mistakes, FIFA maintained that all actions taken were in line with its regulatory framework.
“Although mistakes were made, everything that was done was done in full compliance with the FIFA regulatory framework,” the statement said.
FIFA also warned that it would take necessary measures to protect its reputation, saying it would no longer tolerate attacks on its integrity, governance, and due process.
The meeting also highlighted the successful delivery of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with FIFA crediting the achievement to Infantino, Grafström, and the administration working together as one team.
FIFA said the discussions would help strengthen governance, rebuild confidence, and prepare the organisation for future challenges.
The governing body added that it will continue working with Member Associations, Confederations, and Regional Associations to improve football development through the FIFA Forward programme while reviewing its internal processes.
