Infantino Apologises For World Cup Sell-off Plan
Retold by Oddsrama · 16 October 2026
FIFA president Gianni Infantino faced serious backlash during a three-hour council meeting in Zurich this week over his controversial plans to sell off a stake in future World Cup tournaments. While Infantino expressed regret for not consulting the council earlier about the proposal, his apology fell flat with European football leaders, who continue to demand his resignation. The FA chair and other UEFA officials remain unconvinced and are pushing for full transparency, believing the 20 percent stake was being offloaded at a bargain price.
The drama extends beyond the tournament sale. The FIFA Peace Prize that Infantino handed to US President Donald Trump in December is now facing the axe. The award, which was only introduced in 2025, is being reviewed by FIFA's Football Social Responsibility Committee, making Trump its only recipient so far—a fact that raises eyebrows given FIFA's stated intention to award it annually. The decision to scrap it reflects growing skepticism around the prize's legitimacy.
The meeting also examined other governance concerns, including the controversial decision to suspend a one-match ban on USA striker Folarin Balogun during the World Cup. FIFA's Legal Committee will conduct a review of disciplinary procedures, with findings expected in December 2026. On the brighter side for member associations, FIFA announced plans to significantly boost funding through its Surplus Solidarity Programme, potentially channeling $6.35 billion for 2027–2030, including roughly $25 million per member federation. All major decisions will receive final approval at the next council meeting in December 2026, giving stakeholders time to prepare.
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