FIFA president Gianni Infantino has announced plans for an independent review of the organization’s governance structure in response to mounting criticism. The move comes after Infantino abandoned a controversial proposal to sell a portion of FIFA’s commercial rights, including World Cup rights, to private investors. The plan had sparked anger among major football confederations, including UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation, and CONCACAF.
The proposal also led to boycott threats involving FIFA competitions, according to Reuters. Infantino defended the idea by saying it was not meant to give up control over sporting decisions. However, he admitted that information about the plan had leaked before it was officially presented to FIFA’s governing bodies.
In his letter to FIFA Council members and national association leaders, Infantino said the idea was never finalized and had always required approval from both the council and member associations. He said the proposal entered the public domain before FIFA’s planned institutional process was completed. The proposal to sell a 20% stake in FIFA’s commercial rights was withdrawn in July after widespread opposition.
The independent review would examine how major strategic decisions are made within FIFA. It would also consider how to improve transparency and accountability in key areas such as the roles of the president, bureau, council, and congress. Infantino said he also wants direct consultations with confederations and member associations about FIFA’s decision-making process.
Some members of FIFA’s leadership are calling for unanimous agreement in the bureau, while others support putting major decisions directly to the congress and member associations. Infantino said he would not pre-judge these debates. Suggestions received by the October 15 FIFA Council meeting could be discussed at that meeting. Any changes to FIFA’s governing statutes would still need approval from the congress.
Infantino intends to seek another term as FIFA president when the election is held on March 18, 2027 in Rabat, Morocco. Potential challengers have until November 18 to enter the race. Reuters reported that opponents have struggled to find a candidate and that sources familiar with the discussions believe Infantino currently retains substantial support among FIFA members.
Some of Infantino’s opponents are now focusing on limiting presidential powers rather than challenging him directly, according to Reuters. More than 200 FIFA members had endorsed his re-election earlier in the summer, although some associations later reconsidered their support following the governance disputes.
UEFA has also pursued legal efforts connected to the failed FIFA Forward Enterprise proposal. UEFA filed four separate requests for subpoenas in U.S. courts seeking documents and communications from FIFA and parties connected with the proposed investment. The filings said UEFA was considering possible criminal proceedings against Infantino concerning the FFE plan.
FIFA has challenged UEFA’s legal effort. In a federal court filing, FIFA asked a judge to reject the discovery request and described UEFA’s actions as part of a campaign against FIFA leadership. UEFA’s filings sought information from FIFA as well as Joshua Kushner, Thrive Capital and JPMorgan.
The pressure has also come from national associations, including England’s Football Association. FA chair Debbie Hewitt has asked FIFA to release documents concerning both the failed investment proposal and the handling of the suspension involving U.S. striker Folarin Balogun.
Balogun received a straight red card during the World Cup match against Bosnia and Herzegovina. FIFA initially confirmed that he would serve a one-match suspension but later suspended the punishment under its disciplinary rules, allowing him to play against Belgium.
The decision drew more attention after U.S. President Donald Trump said he personally asked Infantino to review the red card. Trump said he did not pressure FIFA to overturn the suspension. FIFA later defended referee Raphael Claus while maintaining the decision that allowed Balogun to play.
Infantino’s decision to propose a review comes amid continuing pressure over how FIFA makes major decisions. UEFA and CONCACAF have also asked for an independent review of FIFA’s financial reserves and proposed distributing at least $10 million to each of FIFA’s 211 member associations during the next commercial cycle.
Support for Infantino remains strong within parts of the Oceania region, with the Oceania Football Confederation backing his leadership. However, New Zealand broke with the wider regional position and declined to join the OFC’s support for Infantino.
Infantino told FIFA members that their positions on governance proposals would not affect their access to FIFA development and solidarity programs. He also said he remained committed to leading the organization.
The FIFA Council is scheduled to meet on October 15. That meeting could provide the first formal indication of whether Infantino’s proposed governance review will move forward.
IMAGE: Gianni Infantino during UEFA EURO 2012 qualifying play-offs draw, that took place in Sheraton Hotel in Cracow.. Photo: Piotr Drabik / Wikimedia, taken 2011-10-13, CC BY 2.0