Unanswered questions leave critics unhappy as Infantino apologizes to FIFA Council over World Cup furor

Apology without requested details

Infantino told FIFA’s ruling council on Thursday that he was sorry for mistakes in communicating and consulting over FIFA Forward Enterprise, his proposed World Cup commercial-rights project. He did not present documents about the plan, which was abandoned in July after strong opposition.

FIFA said information about the investor project remains confidential because of legal proceedings in the United States. After the three-and-a-half-hour meeting, Infantino issued a video statement but did not speak to reporters.

European delegates express frustration

European delegates said they left the meeting without clear answers on the investment proposal or the Balogun red-card case at the World Cup. They also sought an explanation of Trump’s intervention on behalf of the U.S. national team forward.

“No satisfactory answers were provided,” German soccer leader Bernd Neuendorf said. Debbie Hewitt, head of the English Football Association and a FIFA vice president, said Infantino must answer the questions to be fit to lead FIFA.

Dispute deepens with UEFA

The proposal involved investor Joshua Kushner and a planned subsidiary for World Cup commercial rights. Investors led by Kushner were expected to own at least 20% of it. The plan intensified tensions with UEFA, which says Infantino pursued major projects without consulting European officials.

UEFA is pursuing legal action in the United States against FIFA, Infantino and Kushner. It has also asked U.S. courts for access to evidence for a criminal complaint in Switzerland, alleging possible mismanagement of FIFA finances. FIFA lawyers called UEFA’s evidence requests a “smear campaign.”

Election and other questions

FIFA’s council has 37 members elected by continental soccer bodies for four-year terms. FIFA said it will review whether to continue its peace prize, created to be awarded to Trump last December.