FIFA president Gianni Infantino has apologised over the controversial FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) proposal during a FIFA Council meeting. However, European football officials remain dissatisfied, demanding documents and clear explanations about why the plan was developed and who was involved.

Debbie Hewitt, chair of the English Football Association (FA) and a FIFA vice-president, said an apology alone was not enough. She called for the release of relevant documents to clarify the decision-making process behind the proposal.

Apology Fails to Resolve Key Questions

The FIFA Council meeting lasted approximately three and a half hours. Infantino expressed regret for pursuing the proposal without informing Council members beforehand.

Speaking after the meeting, Hewitt described the discussion as unusually open but said the specific questions raised by officials remained unanswered. She added that they had asked why the documents were not being provided and were told to submit their questions in writing.

Hewitt acknowledged that Infantino's apology appeared to contain some remorse. However, she stressed the importance of explaining what had happened and providing access to the relevant records.

What Was the Controversial FFE Proposal?

The FIFA Forward Enterprise proposal reportedly involved plans to transfer part of the commercial rights to future FIFA tournaments to private investors.

The proposal first emerged through media reports before being formally disclosed by FIFA. Following the controversy, Infantino withdrew the plan within days.

European officials are now seeking answers about how the proposal was developed, who participated in the process and why FIFA Council members were not informed earlier.

UEFA Maintains Pressure Over the Proposal

UEFA, European football's governing body, has also taken a firm position on the issue. According to reports, the organisation has filed applications in three US courts seeking the release of documents related to the FFE proposal.

Reports have also indicated that UEFA is preparing potential legal action involving Infantino.

The Council meeting covered other matters as well, including the suspension of a red-card ban involving United States striker Folarin Balogun, the FIFA Peace Prize and funding for member associations.

Accountability Questions Remain

Despite Infantino's apology and the withdrawal of the proposal, questions about the FFE initiative remain unresolved.

European officials continue to seek greater transparency over the decision-making process. The release of relevant documents and clear answers to their questions are likely to remain central to the ongoing dispute.