FIFA leadership reaffirmed their unconditional support for Gianni Infantino following an emergency meeting held in Rabat, Morocco. The leadership, which includes Secretary General Mattias Grafström and members of the Management Board, emphasized Infantino's status as the only official elected by the 211 FIFA member associations.
The meeting in Rabat was described by FIFA leadership as constructive and positive. This follows a period of significant opposition to Gianni Infantino, particularly in Europe, following the failure of a planned investor deal.
FIFA acknowledged errors in its investor plan process, admitting the process should have been handled differently and was not intended to make the FIFA Council and member associations feel excluded. In an internal email to FIFA staff, Mattias Grafström described the failed investor plan as an 'uproar' and a 'sad and condemnable series of events.'
Hosting and reputation disputes
The organization also addressed reports regarding the 2030 World Cup. While The Times reported that Gianni Infantino had promised Morocco the hosting rights for the 2030 World Cup final, FIFA denied this claim. FIFA stated: 'It is false and misleading to claim that the FIFA President made any promise regarding the hosting of the 2030 FIFA World Cup final. A decision will be made by FIFA at the appropriate time.'
The reports involving the 2030 final mentioned the Hassan II Stadium in Casablanca, which has a capacity of 115,000 seats, as a proposed venue. The 2030 World Cup is scheduled to be co-hosted by Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, with the opening three matches held in Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay.
Regarding its standing, FIFA stated it would not tolerate attacks on its integrity and would take all necessary measures to defend its reputation. During the proceedings, Gianni Infantino also reaffirmed his full support for Secretary General Mattias Grafström.
