Infantino apologises to Fifa Council - but told he's still not fit to lead

President Gianni Infantino issued an apology to the FIFA Council regarding his World Cup sell‑off programme, but council members indicated that his continued leadership remains unacceptable unless he releases all documents tied to the FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) initiative and answers a series of key questions. The council convened in Zurich on Thursday for its first meeting since the existence of Infantino’s concealed FFE proposal came to light. Under that plan, which Infantino withdrew within days, the commercial rights of football’s global governing body would have been transferred to a private firm. During the three‑and‑a‑half‑hour session, Infantino also faced inquiries concerning the suspended red‑card ban of US striker Folarin Balogun, the FIFA Peace Prize, and funding for member associations. FIFA vice‑president Debbie Hewitt, who chairs the Football Association, said afterward that numerous questions remained unresolved. She quoted herself: “One of the disappointing things is that we didn't get answers to thing that we had specifically requested - for illustration getting the papers from FFE,” Hewitt said. She continued: “I asked the question 'why not?' - and we were asked to taxable those questions successful writing.” Hewitt added: “I deliberation the antheral has to reply those questions and if helium doesn't reply those questions now, he's not acceptable to beryllium Fifa president - and that was what was shared successful the meeting.” Hewitt acknowledged that Infantino’s apology showed “some contrition,” but she noted: “Then determination were nary holds barred in presumption of what we felt astir what had happened,” she added. She also quoted Infantino’s own words: “What helium truly apologised for was not bringing it to the council. If you regret it that deeply, stock it with us.” UEFA, long a critic of Infantino, has prepared legal proceedings against him and filed claims in three US courts seeking the release of all FFE‑related documents. When asked whether UEFA’s stance had shifted, Hewitt replied: “From my position, thing has shifted. I've nary caller accusation that makes maine consciousness immoderate differently, different than we bash person a president who is apologetic.” Read the full story at BBC News →