Gianni Infantino apologises to critics but refuses to detail controversial deals

FIFA President Gianni Infantino issued an apology to council members during a tense three-and-a-half-hour meeting on Thursday, though key critics insist he has failed to address concerns surrounding his leadership.

​According to a report by The Associated Press, Infantino expressed contrition for his controversial and ultimately abandoned $4.2 billion private equity plan for the World Cup. However, European officials expressed dissatisfaction after he provided no new documents or clear answers regarding the secretive investor arrangement, which involved venture capitalist Joshua Kushner, or details on political interventions in player disciplinary matters.​Speaking after the council session, English Football Association chair and FIFA Vice President Debbie Hewitt stated that Infantino must answer written questions submitted by officials, questioning whether he remains fit to hold office.​Meanwhile, European football’s governing body, UEFA, is pushing to unseat Infantino ahead of the March presidential election, with German football chief Bernd Neuendorf emphasizing that the organization urgently requires “a person of integrity” to restore its damaged reputation.