Infantino apologises to Fifa Council - but told he is still not fit to lead

Gianni Infantino commemorated a decade as FIFA president in February 2026.

In a recent meeting, President Gianni Infantino extended an apology to the FIFA Council regarding his now-abandoned World Cup sell-off initiative. However, Council members have asserted that he is unfit to lead unless he produces all relevant documents and addresses pivotal questions.

The FIFA Council convened in Zurich for the first time since the revelation of Infantino's confidential FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) proposal.

This initiative, which Infantino scrapped shortly after its announcement, would have allocated a segment of FIFA's commercial rights to a private investment firm.

During the three-and-a-half-hour session, Infantino also encountered inquiries regarding US striker Folarin Balogun's suspended red-card ban, the FIFA Peace Prize, and financial backing for national associations.

Debbie Hewitt, chair of the Football Association and a FIFA vice-president, noted afterward that numerous questions remained unresolved despite the "most robust, most frank, most open Council meeting" she has attended.

"One of the disappointing aspects is that we did not receive answers to any specific requests we had made, such as obtaining the documents from FFE," Hewitt remarked.

"I posed the question 'why not?' and was asked to submit those inquiries in writing.

"I believe the president needs to address these questions, as his failure to do so would indicate he is not fit to hold the position of FIFA president — a sentiment expressed during our discussions."

Hewitt continued, "I have continually requested the necessary documents. I have yet to receive them, and even after today’s request, they remain unavailable.

"This pertains to the rationale for the FFE proposal, the Balogun case, and the Peace Prize.

"The answers to these inquiries, which I still lack, will ultimately inform my personal judgment regarding Gianni's suitability.

"That will determine whether we can trust any individuals involved in FFE, as it remains arduous to assess behavior without a clear understanding of actual events."

Hewitt acknowledged a degree of "contrition" in Infantino's apology.

"We expressed our candid views regarding the situation without reservation," she added.

"What he primarily apologized for was not presenting the proposal to the Council. If the regret is genuine, it should be shared with us."

UEFA, the governing body of European football, has openly criticized Infantino and has repeatedly demanded his resignation.

The organization has initiated criminal legal proceedings against Infantino and filed a request in three US courts for the release of all documents associated with FFE.

Hewitt expressed her hope that Infantino would now willingly share the documents so that the Council can fully comprehend the events.

"The release of these documents is a critical step towards ensuring we understand what transpired and determining if any criminal proceedings ought to be pursued," Hewitt stated.

When asked if UEFA's stance on Infantino had altered, she replied, "From my perspective, nothing has changed. I possess no new information that sways my opinion, apart from the fact we have a president who is demonstrating remorse."

UEFA still searching for candidate to stand against Infantino

Infantino is set to seek re-election as FIFA president for a third term in March, yet no credible opponent has emerged to challenge him thus far.

Former Tottenham and Switzerland defender Ramon Vega has expressed his intention to run; however, securing the five letters of support from member associations seems unlikely, diminishing his prospects as a serious competitor.

Prominent figures within European football have indicated to BBC Sport that they wish for former Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger to consider a candidacy.

However, it remains uncertain whether Wenger is willing to resign from his current role as FIFA's global head of football development to challenge his superior in a potentially unwinnable campaign.

Hewitt acknowledged the necessity for UEFA — along with Infantino's global adversaries — to identify a candidate for the ballot prior to the November 18 deadline.

She emphasized that it is vital for the president to face opposition after having been re-elected unopposed in both 2019 and 2023.

"I believe it is significant for Gianni to have an opponent with an alternative manifesto, and beneficial for FIFA to provide that choice," Hewitt remarked.

"We operate within a democracy. We must remember that there are 211 associations, and it is imperative that each one has the opportunity to vote in accordance with their convictions.

"This candidate must prioritize football above all else. Secondly, they should be someone who can unite the global football community. Lastly, they need the conviction to implement necessary reforms."

Hewitt noted that Balogun's avoidance of a suspension following his expulsion during the World Cup represented one of the "major issues" discussed.

Balogun's suspension was lifted after a request from US President Donald Trump prompted a review of the decision.

BBC Sport has learned that a proposal was suggested to the Council that would amend the FIFA disciplinary code to prevent such occurrences from recurring.

The proposed regulations would specify that the disciplinary committee could not annul an automatic one-match ban for a red card.

"What transpired in July was detrimental to football... whether regarding the Balogun situation or the FFE case... it placed the integrity of football at serious risk," Hewitt stated.

"When behavior begins to influence on-field decisions, it marks a troubling moment for football, a sentiment echoed by several individuals in the room."

The awarding of the FIFA Peace Prize to President Trump was also addressed; however, Hewitt mentioned that Infantino's interactions with "other perhaps celebrities and dignitaries" were scrutinized as well.

"When he prioritizes other dignitaries above his 211 associations, it undermines the essence of football," Hewitt contended.

"This perspective was shared by many attendees, not solely the Europeans."

An inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the awarding of the Peace Prize will be conducted by the FIFA social committee.

"They will evaluate how the Peace Prize was conceived, whether it should have been awarded, the decision-making process behind it, and considerations on its potential reformation or revocation," Hewitt explained.

"This committee will present its findings to the Council in December, at which point the Council will make decisions based on their recommendations.

"Today marked a pivotal moment, as it became evident that we need to comprehend past events to facilitate our desired progress."