Infantino Holds Crisis Meeting in Morocco as FIFA Faces Fallout Over Failed World Cup Rights Plan

FIFA President Gianni Infantino is holding a high-level crisis meeting with senior officials in Morocco as he attempts to contain growing opposition within world football following the collapse of his controversial plan to sell a stake in the commercial rights of the FIFA World Cup and other major tournaments.

The emergency meeting comes just days after FIFA abandoned a proposal to sell a 20 per cent stake in a newly created commercial rights company to private investors in a deal reportedly valued at about $4.2 billion. The proposal triggered fierce criticism from football confederations and senior FIFA executives, who argued that the governing body had failed to adequately consult its members before pursuing the transaction.

According to multiple reports, the abandoned plan has weakened Infantino’s political standing ahead of his expected bid for another term as FIFA president. Officials from Europe, North America and parts of Asia have reportedly questioned both the decision-making process and the long-term implications of allowing private investors to acquire a stake in football’s most valuable commercial assets.

The backlash has extended beyond FIFA’s member associations. Reports indicate that several senior figures within FIFA, including Secretary General Mattias Grafström, Chief Operating Officer Kevin Lamour, and FIFA’s Chief of Global Football Development Arsène Wenger, expressed reservations about the proposal after it generated widespread criticism. Former adviser Carlos Cordeiro has also reportedly resigned amid the controversy.

Infantino is expected to use the Morocco meeting to reassure FIFA’s leadership and consolidate support among member associations, particularly from Africa, Asia and Oceania, where many national football federations rely heavily on FIFA development funding. Analysts say those regions could prove crucial if the governance dispute escalates into a broader leadership challenge.

The controversy has also fuelled speculation about Infantino’s political future. While no formal challenger has emerged, reports suggest some confederations are discussing the possibility of an extraordinary FIFA Congress if enough member associations demand one. Other football bodies have reportedly explored stronger measures, including withholding support for future FIFA initiatives if governance concerns are not addressed.

The crisis follows FIFA’s rejection of media reports claiming Infantino sought political backing from the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump after the commercial rights proposal collapsed. FIFA described those reports as “pure fiction,” insisting that its president continues to enjoy broad support from member federations around the world.

Despite the mounting pressure, Infantino is still believed to retain strong backing from several African, Middle Eastern and smaller football associations. However, observers say the Morocco meeting could prove pivotal in determining whether he can rebuild confidence within FIFA’s leadership and preserve support ahead of future elections.