4 Aug, 11:26··

FIFA backs Infantino, apologizes over World Cup plan

ZEIT Online

FIFA President Gianni Infantino remains in charge after a crisis. FIFA apologized for a plan to let private companies invest in the World Cup. The investment plan has been cancelled.

Following criticism of a World Cup investment plan, FIFA held an emergency meeting in Morocco on August 5th. FIFA’s leadership, including President Gianni Infantino and Secretary General Mattias Grafström, acknowledged mistakes and a lack of consultation. The organization issued apologies for the plan and stated its full support for Infantino. Several FIFA directors, including Arsène Wenger, expressed their lack of knowledge about the plan. FIFA stated it will not tolerate attacks on its integrity and reaffirmed its support for the World Cup.

Summarized from the sources above. Read the originals for the full story.

Highlights

Infantino remains FIFA president

Gianni Infantino will continue to lead FIFA after a crisis meeting.

FIFA apologized for investment plan

FIFA issued an apology for allowing private investment in the World Cup.

FIFA board supports Infantino

The FIFA board maintains full support for Gianni Infantino despite criticism.

Wenger expressed concerns

Arsène Wenger stated the plan’s retraction was ‘absolutely necessary’.

FIFA defends its integrity

FIFA stated it will not tolerate attacks on its integrity.

Perspectives

Sources agree
  • FIFA President Gianni Infantino will continue to lead the organization.
  • FIFA apologized for the plan to allow private investment in the World Cup.
  • The FIFA board maintains full support for Infantino’s plan.
  • FIFA acknowledges mistakes were made regarding the World Cup investment plan.
Sources disagree
Knowledge of the investment plan

Arsène Wenger, FIFA director, knew nothing about the plan. He believes the plan’s retraction is ‘absolutely necessary’

NU.nl

FIFA leadership acknowledges mistakes were made regarding the plan.

NU.nl, France24, RTL Nieuws, RTBF

VS
FIFA’s response to criticism

FIFA leadership is defending its integrity and will not tolerate attacks.

FAZ, ZEIT Online

FIFA issued apologies and acknowledged ‘errors’ and a lack of consultation.

France24, RFI, RTBF

VS
Framing of the situation

The situation involves a disagreement between FIFA leadership regarding a World Cup-related investment initiative.

NU.nl

The situation is a ‘challenge’ rather than a ‘crisis’.

NU.nl

VS

Timeline

1d 18h span
4 Aug, 11:266 Aug, 05:21
FIFApoliticsinvestmentsportsWorld Cup
FIFA backs Infantino, apologizes over World Cup plan - SOVOX.eu