Infantino apologises but faces fierce criticism over investment plan

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 15 Oct, 21:03 · Archive

FIFA president Gianni Infantino apologised for poor communication over a secretive investment scheme but faced continued criticism from Council members.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino apologised at a FIFA Council meeting in Zurich for 'the mistakes that we made in relation to the communication and consultation process' regarding his FIFA Forward Enterprise plan. The scheme sought to create a company to manage commercial interests of FIFA's competitions, with a minority stake available to private investors.

England's Football Association chair Debbie Hewitt, who is also a FIFA vice-president, led criticism of Infantino, saying he was 'not fit to be FIFA president' if he does not answer questions about the investment plan and the Folarin Balogun case. She told reporters that Council members had not received answers to requests regarding either matter and demanded the release of FFE documents, saying 'if there's nothing to hide, then share them with us'.

Hewitt said Infantino told Council members to submit their questions in writing, but stressed the need for answers to be given 'in the open way'. The FFE plan first became public in a report by The Times on 28 July. The Balogun incident involved the United States striker's one-match ban being suspended following a call to Infantino from US President Donald Trump.

How it is being reported

• Infantino apologises but FIFA boss only cops more flakA leading English official has led the criticism of FIFA boss Gianni Infantino as he apologised for "mistakes" in his secretive investment plan.Perth Now · 15 Oct, 20:24
• Infantino apologises but FIFA boss only cops more flakA leading English official has led the criticism of FIFA boss Gianni Infantino as he apologised for "mistakes" in his secretive investment plan.The West Australian · 15 Oct, 20:24

In this story: Gianni Infantino · Debbie Hewitt · England Football Association · FIFA · Folarin Balogun · Donald Trump · Zurich

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