Gianni Infantino has called FIFA’s senior leadership team to a meeting in Morocco on Wednesday following strong internal opposition to the abandoned FIFA Forward Enterprise plan.

The criticism comes alongside a widespread international backlash that has increased pressure on Infantino and raised fresh questions about his position as FIFA president.

Senior FIFA officials distance themselves from the project

Internal resistance grew on Monday when FIFA secretary general Mattias Grafstrom joined chief operating officer Kevin Lamour in opposing the proposal.

Lamour had already told the Associated Press on Friday that employees had been “deceived”, describing FFE as “the project of one person”.

Arsene Wenger also issued a statement on Monday explaining that he had learned about the proposal through media coverage. Although he did not name Infantino or directly criticise the 56-year-old president, Wenger made clear that he had played no part in developing the plan.

“The recent events at FIFA deserve some clarity from my side,” Wenger said in a statement shared by the organisation. “I was not involved in this strategic plan and first became aware of the project through media reports.”

Wenger added that withdrawing the proposal had been essential. He stressed his support for an independent FIFA operating with commitment, transparency and integrity in the interests of football.

Prince Ali accuses FIFA of blackmail

Pressure outside the organisation has also increased. Prince Ali bin Al Hussein, president of the Jordan Football Association and a former candidate for

Infantino Calls FIFA Executives to Morocco Amid Growing Leadership Crisis

Gianni Infantino has called FIFA’s senior leadership team to an urgent meeting in Morocco on Wednesday following intense internal criticism over the abandoned FIFA Forward Enterprise plan.

The meeting comes after a strong international backlash that has placed further pressure on Infantino’s position as president of world football’s governing body.

Senior FIFA Officials Oppose the FFE Proposal

Internal opposition grew on Monday when FIFA secretary general Mattias Grafstrom joined chief operating officer Kevin Lamour in raising concerns about the plan.

Lamour had already told the Associated Press on Friday that employees had been “deceived”, describing FFE as “the project of one person”. His comments exposed the level of dissatisfaction within FIFA and raised questions about how the proposal had been developed and presented.

Arsene Wenger also issued a statement on Monday explaining that he had learned about the project through media coverage. Although Wenger did not name Infantino or directly criticise the 56 year old president, he made clear that he had played no role in preparing the plan.

Wenger said recent developments required clarification and confirmed that he was not involved in the strategic proposal. He also supported the decision to withdraw it, arguing that FIFA must remain independent and serve football with transparency, integrity and commitment.

Pressure Builds From National Associations and Confederations

Infantino is also facing mounting criticism outside FIFA. Prince Ali bin Al Hussein, president of the Jordan Football Association and a former candidate for the FIFA presidency, accused the governing body of using “blackmail” in a strongly worded social media statement.

Prince Ali said Jordan takes pride in maintaining ethical standards. He added that his association had not supported Infantino previously and would not do so now, while refusing to accept what he described as pressure surrounding the situation.

UEFA has gone further by calling for Infantino to leave his position, stating that it no longer has confidence in his leadership. The English Football Association is also expected to withdraw its letter supporting Infantino’s campaign for re-election next year, following a similar decision by the Football Association of Wales.

The Asian Football Confederation and Concacaf, which hosted this summer’s World Cup, have stopped short of explicitly demanding a change in FIFA’s leadership. However, both confederations are seeking urgent explanations from Infantino as scrutiny of the failed plan continues.