FIFA President Gianni Infantino opened the FIFA Council meeting on 15/10 by apologizing to members for the surprise and public controversy surrounding his earlier proposal to attract private investors. Despite the apology, Infantino offered no further details or supporting documents regarding the plan. Facing pressure from European football executives, he requested that any questions be submitted in writing.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino attends and presents the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 at Gelora Bung Karno stadium, Indonesia, on the evening of 5/10. *Photo: Duc Dong*

Following the meeting, Debbie Hewitt, Chair of the English Football Association (FA), stated, "The man must answer those questions. If he doesn't answer, he is not fit to be FIFA President."

Bernd Neuendorf, President of the German Football Association, also expressed disappointment, noting that Infantino had failed to provide satisfactory answers. Neuendorf emphasized the necessity for FIFA to have a leader with integrity to restore its damaged reputation.

In 7/2026, Infantino had initially caused a stir by unveiling plans to establish a subsidiary company, FFE, aimed at managing the commercial rights of FIFA tournaments. This entity was projected to sell at least 20% of its shares to private investors, reportedly led by Joshua Kushner, brother of Jared Kushner, Donald Trump's son-in-law. Facing significant opposition, particularly from European football federations, the FIFA President was compelled to cancel the controversial initiative. This decision, however, did not quell the growing calls for his resignation.

The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) is spearheading efforts to remove Infantino from his position either before or during the FIFA presidential election scheduled for 3/2027. UEFA has also filed a petition in a United States court seeking the right to collect evidence for a criminal complaint against Infantino in Switzerland, which serves as FIFA's headquarters and Infantino's home country. The allegations primarily focus on his management concerning the proposed FFE plan.

Infantino and FIFA also faced a loss of credibility following the controversial decision to permit Florin Balogun to play in the United States versus Belgium match during the World Cup 2026 round of 16. The forward should have been automatically suspended after receiving a red card in the preceding victory against Bosnia & Herzegovina.

United States President Donald Trump reportedly contacted Infantino, urging FIFA to reconsider the red card decision. Subsequently, the disciplinary committee controversially suspended the automatic one-match ban, allowing Balogun to participate in the game. This decision ignited widespread global debate.

During yesterday's meeting, Infantino did not offer specific details regarding the temporary suspension of Balogun's ban or the extent of Trump's intervention on behalf of the host nation's forward. However, Infantino and the Council are currently reviewing whether to proceed with the FIFA Peace Award, an honor initially established for Donald Trump and slated for 12/2025.

Thanh Quy (according to Marca)