FIFA issued a formal apology on Wednesday after admitting to errors in a short-lived proposal to sell shares in FIFA Forward Enterprise. The statement followed an emergency meeting in Rabat, Morocco, where world football's governing body addressed negative global backlash surrounding the plan.
The organization created FIFA Forward Enterprise as a subsidiary to sell shares and generate additional revenue. The project was poorly received internationally and lasted less than a week before being withdrawn on Friday, July 31. FIFA acknowledged committing mistakes before, during, and after press reports disclosed the proposal.
Apology to Member Associations
In an official statement, FIFA declared that it sent a formal apology outlining each error to all 211 member associations. The organization also delivered a separate letter to the FIFA Council and member associations expressing regret and committing to prevent future mistakes.
FIFA announced a comprehensive review to investigate the facts, with a full report scheduled for presentation at the next FIFA Council meeting. The governing body stated that it would no longer tolerate attacks on its integrity and would take all necessary steps to safeguard its reputation.
Leadership Support and Governance
Following the meeting in Rabat, the FIFA Secretary General and members of the Board of Directors reaffirmed their total support for President Gianni Infantino. Officials highlighted that Infantino remains the only executive directly elected by the 211 member associations.
Infantino reiterated his full support for the Secretary General and the FIFA administration, commending their essential work in delivering the FIFA World Cup 2026. Leadership members agreed that communication, executive interactions, and operational processes should be continuously improved to increase efficiency and effectiveness.
Withdrawal of the Enterprise Proposal
During discussions, FIFA leaders acknowledged that the FIFA Council and member associations should not have felt excluded from the decision-making process. Officials conceded that the rollout was handled improperly, particularly after details leaked to the media.
The FIFA Forward Enterprise proposal, which required official approval from member associations and the FIFA Council, has been formally removed from the agenda. Despite the errors, FIFA stressed that all actions taken complied fully with its existing regulatory framework.
The governing body confirmed it will work closely with relevant stakeholders to support football development through the FIFA Forward program. This effort aims to benefit FIFA's 211 member associations, regional associations, and continental confederations.
