Fifa president Gianni Infantino has proposed an external review of the governing body's operations and expressed openness to reform. In a letter to Fifa Council members and national associations, Infantino outlined plans for an independent process to recommend potential improvements. This move comes amid increasing pressure over his aborted Fifa Forward Enterprise proposal, which sparked a major backlash. Infantino's letter aims to address concerns and create a more transparent and accountable decision-making process.
Infantino's letter suggests a consultation on strengthening Fifa's decision-making, including proposals on the president's role and practical ways to enhance transparency, participation, and accountability. The consultation will involve confederations, member associations, and relevant stakeholders. Infantino emphasized that the FFE plan did not involve relinquishing Fifa's control or authority over sporting decisions. He claimed that democratic processes, independence, and sporting authority were never for sale.
The FFE plan, which would have involved selling stakes in the World Cup and other competitions to private investors, was met with significant opposition. Infantino stated that the proposal's premature release caused concern and created the impression that decisions had already been taken. He insisted that this was not the case. The collapse of FFE has not diminished Infantino's ambition to invest more of Fifa's success back into football, and he vowed to explore sustainable ways to grow Fifa's resources.
Infantino's tone shift represents a change in his approach amid an unprecedented rebellion over his presidency. His opponents have until 18 November to find an alternative candidate, and he will stand for election for a fourth time in March 2027. European football's governing body, Uefa, began preparing criminal legal proceedings against Infantino in US courts over the FFE plan, demanding the release of all documents.
Fifa hit back, accusing Uefa of a "smear campaign" against it and its leadership. Infantino's letter comes ahead of the Fifa Council meeting on 15 October, which will be the first since the crisis began. He hopes that this move will relieve some of the pressure he is under. However, it remains to be seen if this will be enough to win over his critics, who want an overhaul of Fifa's governance.
Infantino's critics are calling for curbs on the president's power, more separation between the president and the Fifa administration, greater emphasis on human rights and sustainability, and the redistribution of Fifa's cash reserves. Uefa and Concacaf have demanded that Fifa pays $10m to all 211 members from its cash reserves. Infantino remains committed to leading Fifa and confident in what can be achieved together.
The Fifa president's change in tone may be a strategic move to survive the rebellion and secure another re-election. The external review and consultation on reforms may be a step towards addressing the concerns of his critics and creating a more transparent and accountable Fifa. The outcome of these efforts will be closely watched as Infantino navigates the challenges facing his presidency.
Key points
- Infantino proposes external review and consultation on Fifa reforms
- Fifa president faces opposition over aborted FFE proposal
- Infantino aims to address concerns and create more transparent decision-making process
