FIFA President Gianni Infantino has proposed an independent external review of the governing body's current governance framework for major strategic initiatives. In a letter to the FIFA Council and all 211 member association presidents, Infantino acknowledged that the handling of a now-abandoned investment plan had caused concern. The review aims to recommend potential improvements to FIFA's decision-making process. This move comes after a fierce backlash over Infantino's proposal to sell a 20 percent stake in FIFA's commercial rights to private investors.
The abandoned plan, which was withdrawn in July, explored the possibility of raising more money for football development by selling a minority stake in a FIFA-controlled commercial company. Infantino emphasized that the plan would not have involved giving up control over sporting decisions. However, the proposal became public before it could be presented in full to the Council and member associations, causing concern and creating the impression that decisions had already been taken. Infantino recognized that the lack of context led to misunderstandings and assured that no decisions had been made.
Infantino's letter also proposed consultations with confederations, member associations, and other stakeholders on strengthening FIFA's decision-making. The proposals will examine who has a say in major initiatives, including the respective roles of the president, Bureau, Council, and Congress, and how to improve transparency and accountability. The goal is to address concerns and improve the governance framework. Infantino faced opposition from UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation, and CONCACAF, who subsequently called for changes to FIFA's leadership.
The controversy surrounding the investment plan led to boycott threats and opposition from various football organizations. UEFA, CONCACAF, and other groups demanded that FIFA make a $2.1 billion payout to member groups amid a funding row. Infantino's proposals aim to address these concerns and improve FIFA's governance. He remains committed to leading FIFA and is confident in what can be achieved together.
Infantino said he had heard differing ideas about who should decide major strategic questions. Some favoured requiring unanimous agreement in the Bureau, while others wanted such matters put directly to Congress and the member associations. Infantino's role is not to pre-judge the discussion, but to allow those who support a particular model to set out their case clearly. Suggestions received by the October 15 Council meeting can be discussed, with later submissions also considered within a deadline yet to be specified.
Any changes to FIFA's statutes would need Congress approval. Infantino assured member associations that their positions on proposals or governance matters would not affect their treatment by FIFA. Development and solidarity programs would continue under existing rules. Infantino remains committed to leading FIFA and is confident in what can be achieved together.
The external review and consultations aim to improve FIFA's governance framework and decision-making process. Infantino's proposals are a step towards addressing concerns and improving transparency and accountability. The process will involve various stakeholders, including confederations, member associations, and other groups. The goal is to strengthen FIFA's governance and ensure that the organization is run efficiently and effectively.
Key points
- Infantino proposes independent external review of FIFA's governance framework
- Abandoned investment plan sparked controversy and opposition
- Infantino committed to leading FIFA and improving governance
