FIFA president Gianni Infantino has issued an apology over his controversial plan to sell a stake in future World Cup tournaments, after facing intense pressure at a three-hour FIFA Council meeting in Zurich on Thursday.

Infantino's admission that he failed to inform the council of his intentions in advance has done little to satisfy European football leaders. FA chair Debbie Hewitt is among those who continue to demand his resignation, according to Sky Sports.

UEFA pushes for full transparency

UEFA has called on Infantino to release all documents related to the proposed deal, which reportedly involved selling a 20 per cent stake in all future FIFA tournaments at what critics describe as a heavily discounted price. European officials remain unconvinced that the interests of the global game were adequately protected.

FIFA Peace Prize faces the axe

The FIFA Peace Prize — awarded by Infantino to US President Donald Trump in December — also appears headed for cancellation. FIFA's Football Social Responsibility Committee is currently reviewing the award and the circumstances surrounding its presentation.

The prize was only introduced in 2025, making Trump its sole recipient to date. Its likely abolition is particularly striking given FIFA's earlier declaration that the honour would be presented on an annual basis.

Balogun ban and disciplinary review

At the same meeting, Infantino faced questions over the decision to suspend the one-match ban imposed on USA striker Folarin Balogun during the World Cup. The council determined that FIFA's Legal Committee will review the disciplinary procedures involved, with findings on both that matter and the Peace Prize due to be presented at the next council meeting in December 2026.

Record solidarity funding announced

FIFA also unveiled plans under the FIFA Surplus Solidarity Programme to more than double its projected funding for member associations during the 2027–2030 period, bringing the total to $6.35 billion. Each member association stands to receive around $25 million under the proposal. That plan, too, will be formally reviewed at the December 2026 council meeting.