Gianni Infantino clings to Fifa presidency after apologising for ‘mistakes’ over World Cup sell-off plan

Fifa president Gianni Infantino is set to meet with senior executives of the world football governing body on Wednesday to address mounting criticism surrounding his scrapped plan to sell off Fifa's commercial and event operations. The meeting, to be held in Morocco, includes key members of the Fifa management board, such as finance chief Thomas Peyer, legal chief Emilio Garcia Silvero, and chief of staff Daniel O Toole.

Meanwhile, Uefa has expressed its loss of confidence in Infantino's leadership, with several member associations, including Wales, withdrawing their support for his re-election. Kevin Lamour, Fifa's chief operating officer, emphasized that the private investment plan was a project of one person, stating that Fifa's own administration was deceived.

Infantino's senior adviser, Carlos Cordeiro, resigned over the plan, questioning the deal's rationale, timing, oversight, and benefits. Cordeiro also highlighted the lack of transparency and competitive process involved in the proposal. Infantino will need to demonstrate contrition and a path to reform to regain the support of his inner circle.

Reform suggestions from Infantino may include implementing additional checks and balances to prevent similar plans in the future, or even shelving his World Cup expansion plans. The future of Fifa hangs in the balance with the meeting, as member associations have a mere 50 days to decide on the proposal's fate. Uefa and other confederations may resort to holding an extraordinary congress or seeking a vote of no confidence to oust Infantino if the reform request fails.