FIFA promises review and stronger governance after Forward proposal collapse

FIFA has apologised to its 211 member associations for mistakes surrounding a failed proposal linked to the sale of part of its international competitions, including the World Cup, while warning that it will take action to protect the organisation’s reputation.

The commitments were set out in a letter sent to all member associations on Wednesday evening after an emergency meeting in Rabat involving FIFA president Gianni Infantino and senior officials.

According to Spanish newspaper AS, the letter addressed several issues that have come under scrutiny in recent days. It said the meeting had been held “to discuss the events of the past few days and provide you with the latest updates”.

The organisation also used the message to reinforce its support for Infantino and FIFA secretary general Matthias Grafstrom.

“The meeting first and foremost acknowledged the outstanding work done by the FIFA administration, which ensured the successful organisation of the 2026 World Cup,” the letter said.

“This would not have been possible without the co-operation of the president, the secretary general and the FIFA administration, who worked as one team and were in complete agreement.”

The letter added: “To clarify any misunderstanding, the secretary general and the members of the FIFA Council present at the meeting confirm their full support for FIFA president Gianni Infantino, the only person elected by FIFA’s 211 member associations.

“In turn, the FIFA president confirms his full support for the secretary general and the FIFA administration for their essential and exceptional work in implementing his vision.”

FIFA admits mistakes over proposal

The meeting concluded that communication and co-operation between the president, secretary general and FIFA Council could be improved, the letter said.

“The effectiveness and efficiency of the operations, communication and interaction between the FIFA president and the secretary general and the board, aimed at achieving this vision, can and must be constantly improved,” it stated.

“We are fully confident that the results of today’s meeting will strengthen FIFA’s governance, help restore confidence in the organisation and allow us to prepare, in unity and transparency, for the major events and challenges ahead, while continuing to fulfil our mission of developing football throughout the world.”

FIFA also accepted responsibility for errors connected with the proposed project, which was withdrawn after details were leaked to the media.

“In this regard, we acknowledge that mistakes were made in the proposal to create the project. It was never our intention to exclude the FIFA Council and the member associations from this process. We should have acted differently,” the letter said.

“We also acknowledge that mistakes were made after the proposal was leaked to the media.”

The governing body offered an apology to any associations that felt unfairly treated.

“Please accept our sincere apologies for these mistakes. We are committed to ensuring that they are not repeated,” it said.

FIFA said it would carry out an analysis, with a report to be presented at the next meeting of the FIFA Council. It also confirmed that the proposal, which had been due to go before the member associations and the council for approval, had been withdrawn.

Warning over attacks on FIFA

The organisation then adopted a firmer tone, saying: “Now that the proposal has been withdrawn, FIFA will not tolerate any attacks on its integrity, good governance and procedures, and will take all necessary measures to protect and preserve its name and reputation.”

The letter said the episode would be used to improve FIFA’s internal processes.

“We learn from everything, and this experience will help us to continue improving our processes,” it said.

“Nevertheless, it should be noted that despite some mistakes, FIFA’s regulatory framework was fully respected.”

FIFA said it would continue working with its member associations, continental confederations and regional federations to examine how the FIFA Forward programme could better support football development.

“We will continue to work with you to analyse how to enhance football development through FIFA’s Forward programme, for the benefit of FIFA’s 211 member associations, the confederations and FIFA’s regional federations,” the letter concluded.

It added that FIFA was ready to answer any questions and looked forward to meeting the associations in person soon.

The message was signed by FIFA secretary general Matthias Grafstrom.