Infantino to Stay On After Fifa Crisis Talks in Rabat

Fifa says Gianni Infantino will remain president after a crisis meeting of senior executives in Rabat, easing immediate uncertainty around the organisation’s leadership. In a statement issued on Wednesday night, world football’s governing body said Infantino continues to have the full support of his leadership team.

The announcement came alongside confirmation that Infantino has sent written apologies to members of the Fifa Council and the organisation’s 211 member associations. According to Fifa, the apology was for failing to consult them over the World Cup sell-off, an issue that has drawn scrutiny within the game’s global administration.

The latest statement makes clear that, despite the controversy, Fifa has not moved to question Infantino’s position. Instead, the governing body said its senior figures stood behind him after the meeting in the Moroccan capital.

The development is the latest sign that the dispute has centred on process and consultation rather than an immediate leadership challenge. Fifa’s language suggested an attempt to close ranks after a period of tension over how the World Cup-related decision was handled.

Infantino’s written apology is significant because it directly addresses the complaint identified by Fifa: that members were not consulted before the sell-off. The organisation did not provide further detail in the statement on the nature of the transaction or on any broader internal reaction.

For now, the public message from Fifa is one of continuity. Infantino remains president, and his leadership team says it retains confidence in him.

This follows a day of heightened attention around his future, with the meeting in Rabat providing the first clear official response from the governing body. The Guardian Football reported the statement on Wednesday night.

What Fifa confirmed

Fifa confirmed three key points in its statement: Gianni Infantino will stay on as president, he has apologised in writing to council members and all 211 member associations, and his leadership team continues to back him.

Why the issue matters

The episode highlights the importance Fifa places on internal consultation, especially when matters involve the World Cup, one of the most closely watched properties in global sport. While the statement did not indicate a wider governance crisis, it showed that the lack of consultation had become serious enough to prompt a formal apology.

What happens next

Fifa’s statement does not set out any further disciplinary action or leadership review. Based on the information released, Infantino remains in post and the immediate focus appears to be on repairing relations with members rather than changing the top of the organisation.

FAQ

Is Gianni Infantino still Fifa president? Yes. Fifa said he will remain president after the Rabat meeting.

Did Infantino apologise? Yes. Fifa said he sent written apologies to the Fifa Council and the 211 member associations.

Why did he apologise? Fifa said it was for failing to consult members over the World Cup sell-off.