FIFA president Gianni Infantino is facing renewed pressure over his leadership after senior officials emerged dissatisfied with his explanations surrounding the abandoned plan to open the World Cup and other premium competitions to private investors.

The controversy dominated Thursday’s closed door FIFA Council meeting in Zurich, where Infantino apologised for shortcomings in the communication and consultation process surrounding the proposed FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) initiative. 

However, his apology failed to convince key critics, who demanded greater transparency and access to documents relating to the controversial project.

German Football Association president and FIFA Council member Bernd Neuendorf said the meeting failed to provide satisfactory answers to several critical questions raised by members. 

“We asked a great many critical questions, but there were no satisfactory answers from my point of view,” Neuendorf said, expressing doubts about FIFA’s current leadership and calling for a fundamental overhaul of its governance structure.

The criticism was reinforced by English Football Association chair and FIFA vice-president Debbie Hewitt, who questioned Infantino’s suitability to continue as FIFA president unless he releases the requested documents and addresses outstanding concerns.

 Hewitt said the meeting had not changed her position, adding that Council members were still waiting for answers to questions about a proposal that was announced without prior consultation with them. 

Infantino, who has led FIFA since 2016, subsequently confirmed that the FFE project had been permanently withdrawn, insisting it was only a proposal intended to increase investment in football development.

The leadership dispute comes as Infantino prepares to seek re election in March 2027, with the controversy over the investment plan adding to criticism surrounding his relationship with United States President Donald Trump and other contentious decisions. 

Meanwhile, FIFA has outlined plans for a new $6.35 billion development funding programme over four years, including a proposed allocation of $25 million to each of its 211 member associations. 

The initiative could strengthen Infantino’s support ahead of the election, although persistent questions over transparency and accountability leave his leadership facing a significant test. The deadline for submitting presidential candidacies is November 18.