FIFA President Gianni Infantino has retained the support of the organisation’s senior leadership after a meeting in Morocco, where he acknowledged mistakes made during a period of growing criticism over FIFA’s proposed private investment plans.
In a statement issued after the meeting, FIFA said members of its Management Board unanimously reaffirmed their confidence in Infantino’s leadership, signalling continued backing as he prepares for a possible bid for a fourth term as president.
If he seeks re-election, Infantino will require the support of at least 106 of FIFA’s 211 member associations to secure another mandate.
The FIFA chief has faced mounting scrutiny following proposals to sell stakes in some of the governing body’s commercial competitions to private investors, a move that has generated debate within the global football community.
Among the critics is former FIFA president Sepp Blatter, who warned that football’s governing body should prioritise protecting the sport over pursuing financial interests.
Blatter argued that FIFA is an international association governed by statutes and regulations rather than a private investment vehicle, stressing that any decision involving the sale of football’s commercial assets should preserve the integrity of the game.
According to him, while financial growth is important, commercial considerations should never outweigh FIFA’s responsibility to safeguard football’s global interests.
Infantino, who became FIFA president in 2016 following Blatter’s resignation, has overseen significant changes within world football, including the expansion of major tournaments and the introduction of new commercial initiatives.
Despite recent controversy, the latest endorsement from FIFA’s leadership suggests the organisation remains united behind Infantino as discussions over the future of its commercial strategy continue.
