Infantino, FIFA try to move beyond botched World Cup sell-off: What we know

What the report says

FIFA has tried to contain the fallout from a failed plan to shift part of the World Cup’s commercial future into a separate enterprise, after the proposal triggered criticism from national associations, leagues and confederations. In Rabat this week, FIFA leaders publicly backed President Gianni Infantino, and the organization apologized to its 211 members for handling the plan poorly. FIFA said the process will be reviewed before a report goes to the council at its next meeting, while stressing that its actions complied with existing rules.

The dispute has widened beyond the abandoned commercial rights proposal. Al Jazeera reported that European Leagues, which represents more than 1,300 clubs, also objected to a short assessment period for a separate FIFA proposal to expand the 2030 World Cup from 48 to 64 teams. UEFA has continued to press for change and confirmed it had sent a document-preservation letter to FIFA, a step often taken ahead of possible legal action. Some other stakeholders, including CONCACAF and the Asian Football Confederation, have also voiced concerns, while many smaller associations in Africa and Asia still rely heavily on FIFA support.

For Infantino, the immediate issue is political: he is seeking a fourth term in the FIFA presidency in elections expected in March, with a candidate filing deadline in November. Al Jazeera reported that no strong challenger has yet emerged, but the episode has intensified scrutiny of FIFA’s decision-making and the level of consultation it gives stakeholders. The controversy now centers on whether FIFA can restore trust before the election and whether UEFA will escalate its response.