Top European football leagues, including those in England, Spain, Germany, and Italy, have jointly called for a radical overhaul of FIFA's governance structure. In a statement released on September 25, 2026, the leagues' chief executives expressed concerns over the current state of football governance, citing a "core problem" that has led to exploitation. They specifically criticized FIFA President Gianni Infantino for promoting ideas that have harmed the sport.
The joint statement was signed by Richard Masters of the English Premier League, Javier Tebas of La Liga, Mark Lenz of the Bundesliga, and Luigi Di Servo of Serie A. The leagues' leaders emphasized that the issue extends beyond one individual and requires a comprehensive reform of FIFA's governance. They questioned the concentration of regulatory, commercial, and political power in the hands of the FIFA president, without an effective system of oversight and balance.
The leagues' call for reform comes amid growing pressure on Infantino, who has announced his intention to seek re-election as FIFA president in 2027. The European leagues are seeking to push for change, citing concerns over Infantino's leadership style and the impact on the sport. The statement highlighted the need for a more robust system of governance, including approval from relevant stakeholders.
Infantino has been FIFA president since 2016 and has overseen significant changes in the organization. However, his tenure has also been marked by controversy, including criticism over FIFA's handling of human rights issues in host countries for major tournaments. The European leagues' statement adds to growing scrutiny of Infantino's leadership and raises questions about his prospects for re-election.
The joint statement from the European leagues reflects a significant escalation of tensions between FIFA and its most powerful member associations. The leagues have significant influence over the sport, given their substantial financial and commercial interests. Their call for reform is likely to be closely watched by other stakeholders, including sponsors, fans, and national football associations.
FIFA has faced criticism in recent years over issues including corruption, governance, and human rights. The organization has taken steps to address some of these concerns, including implementing reforms aimed at increasing transparency and accountability. However, critics argue that more needs to be done to address the sport's deep-seated problems.
The outcome of the European leagues' push for reform remains uncertain, with Infantino yet to respond publicly to the statement. The issue is likely to be debated extensively in the coming months, with significant implications for the future of football governance.
Key points
- European leagues call for radical overhaul of FIFA governance structure.
- Leagues cite concerns over exploitation and lack of oversight under Infantino's leadership.
- Pressure mounts on Infantino ahead of 2027 re-election bid.
