FIFA president Gianni Infantino has apologised to the organisations Council over his controversial World Cup sell-off proposal, but has been warned he is not fit to lead unless he answers outstanding questions. Infantino faced criticism during a three-and-a-half-hour meeting in Zurich on Thursday, the first gathering of the FIFA Council since details of his secret FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) plan emerged.The proposal, which was abandoned within days of becoming public, would have handed a portion of FIFAs commercial rights to a private investment firm.However, Football Association chair and FIFA vice-president Debbie Hewitt insisted Infantinos apology was not enough, demanding the release of documents relating to the project.Infantino warned he is not fit to lead FIFAHewitt described Thursdays discussions as the most robust, most frank, most open Council meeting she had experienced, but expressed frustration that several important questions remained unanswered.One of the disappointing things is that we didnt get answers to anything that we had specifically requested for example getting the papers from FFE, she said.I asked the question why not? and we were asked to submit those questions in writing.I think the man has to answer those questions and if he doesnt answer those questions now, hes not fit to be Fifa president and that was what was shared in the meeting.What he really apologised for was not bringing it to the Council. If you regret it that deeply, share it with us, she added.The FA chair also demanded explanations surrounding the suspended red-card ban handed to United States striker Folarin Balogun during the World Cup and the FIFA Peace Prize.The responses to those questions, which I still dont have answers to, will determine from my personal point of view whether or not Gianni is the right candidate, she said.UEFA maintains pressure on Infantino over FFE controversyUEFA has been among Infantinos strongest critics since the FFE proposal emerged, repeatedly calling for the FIFA president to resign.European footballs governing body has prepared criminal legal proceedings against Infantino and lodged claims in three US courts seeking the release of documents connected to the abandoned project.Hewitt believes the FIFA Council must be given access to those papers before determining whether further action is necessary.Those papers coming to Council are a crucial next part of us feeling comfortable as to what, if any, criminal proceedings need to take place, she said.From my position, nothing has shifted. Ive no new information that makes me feel any differently, other than we do have a president who is apologetic. Topics Gianni Infantino If you enjoy reading this article, you can help support our independent football journalism by adding 101 Great Goals as a preferred source You Should Also Read FIFA president Gianni Infantino received undisclosed $1.72m World Cup payment Mitch Fretton 13th October, 2026 Man City whistleblower: Infantino helped club avoid sanctions and should have no place in football Cian Cheesbrough 30th September, 2026 Infantino open to FIFA reform amid ongoing criticism Mitch Fretton 22nd September, 2026 French Football Federation withdraws support for Infantinos re-election bid Nicholas McGee 10th September, 2026 FIFA accuses UEFA of smear campaign against Infantino Cian Cheesbrough 3rd September, 2026 UEFA announces it will ensure credible Infantino alternative as it officially withdraws FIFA competition boycott Nicholas McGee 27th August, 2026
