Infantino apologises for FIFA Forward Enterprise mistakes

FIFA president Gianni Infantino apologised to the organisation's council for mistakes in preparing and communicating the FIFA Forward Enterprise proposal and confirmed its permanent withdrawal.

Meeting in Zurich on October 15, the council discussed the project, which UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation and Concacaf had criticised. FIFA said members had an opportunity to ask questions and express their views.

Infantino acknowledged errors in developing the initiative and communicating it. He said its purpose was to increase football investment and improve funding distribution, subject to approval by the council and national associations.

Outside lawyers briefed the council on the project's legal aspects. FIFA said details remained confidential because of ongoing US litigation.

The federation confirmed that FIFA Forward Enterprise had been definitively withdrawn and would not be revived in any form.