FIFA President Infantino apologises to council but critics remain unhappy

What the report says

Gianni Infantino, president of FIFA, apologized to members of the organization’s ruling council during a meeting on Thursday, but the gesture did little to ease criticism from European officials. According to Al Jazeera’s report based on Associated Press reporting, the three-and-a-half-hour session focused on concerns about Infantino’s handling of major FIFA issues, including a proposed private investment plan tied to World Cup commercial rights and questions surrounding a World Cup disciplinary case involving U.S. player Folarin Balogun.

The council meeting came after a period of tension between FIFA and UEFA, the European governing body, which has been pushing for more transparency and considering efforts to block or remove Infantino ahead of FIFA’s presidential election in March. UEFA representatives said they had asked for documents and written evidence related to the shelved $4.2bn World Cup rights plan, but said they did not receive answers they viewed as sufficient. FIFA officials, meanwhile, asked critics to put their concerns in writing.

The report also said FIFA will review whether to keep awarding its peace prize, which was originally created with U.S. President Donald Trump in mind for a December presentation. The dispute matters because it highlights broader questions about governance, disclosure and trust inside world football’s top body, especially as Infantino seeks another term in office.