# Fifa president apologises for World Cup plan

> Fifa president Gianni Infantino apologises for secret World Cup sell-off but must release documents to stay in role.
- Title: Fifa president apologises for World Cup plan · BBC Sport
- Summary: Fifa president Gianni Infantino apologises for secret World Cup sell-off but must release documents to stay in role.
- Keywords: gianni infantino, fifa, world cup, fifa forward enterprise, fifa council, fifa peace prize, folarin balogun, debbie hewitt, uefa, fifa president, sports, president
- Source: BBC Sport — https://bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cmd7qgj3zwero
- Published: 2026-10-15T13:58:57.402+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: gianni infantino, fifa, world cup, fifa forward enterprise, fifa council, fifa peace prize, folarin balogun, debbie hewitt, uefa, fifa president, sports
## Fifa president apologises
Fifa president Gianni Infantino apologised to the Fifa Council for his World Cup sell-off plan but has been told he is not fit to lead unless he releases all documents and answers key questions.
## Fifa Forward Enterprise proposal
Under Fifa Forward Enterprise, a portion of football's commercial rights would have been given to a private investment firm, but Infantino scrapped the plan within days.
## Fifa Council meeting
The Fifa Council met in Zurich for the first time since Infantino's secret FFE proposal emerged, where he faced questions about Folarin Balogun's red-card ban, the Peace Prize, and funding for national associations.
## Infantino's video apology
Infantino released a video statement apologising for communication mistakes in the FFE project but said it was a proposal, not a done deal, intended to invest in member associations.
## Debbie Hewitt's concerns
FA chair Debbie Hewitt said many questions remain unanswered despite a 'most robust, most frank, most open Council meeting', including FFE documents and the Balogun case.
## FFe documents not released
Hewitt stated she has not received FFE documents despite repeated requests, saying the responses to questions will determine whether Infantino is the right candidate for Fifa president.
## Uefa's legal action
Uefa has prepared criminal legal proceedings against Infantino and lodged claims in three US courts for all FFE documents to be released.
## Balogun case suspension
Folarin Balogun avoided suspension after being sent off at the World Cup following a request from US President Donald Trump to review the decision.
## Fifa disciplinary code amendment
A proposal to amend Fifa's disciplinary code would prevent automatic one-match bans for red cards, but the Council will review it in December.
## Fifa Peace Prize controversy
Infantino's handling of the Peace Prize, awarded to US President Trump, raised concerns about his priorities and whether he put dignitaries before football.
## Fifa social committee investigation
The Fifa social committee will investigate how the Peace Prize came about and report back to the Council in December, potentially reforming the award.
## Key takeaway

Fifa president Gianni Infantino apologised for secret World Cup sell-off proposal but must release all documents to remain fit to lead Fifa.