FIFA President Gianni Infantino has proposed an independent review of the world soccer body's decision-making processes. This move could help him regain support after the withdrawal of a controversial private investment plan. Infantino's proposal involves examining the roles of the president, Bureau, Council, and Congress in major initiatives. The review aims to improve transparency and accountability within FIFA.
Infantino's letter to the FIFA Council and 211 member association presidents outlined his plans for reform. He suggested consultations with confederations, member associations, and other stakeholders on strengthening FIFA's decision-making. The proposals would assess who has a say in major initiatives and how to improve transparency and accountability. This move comes after Infantino faced a fierce backlash over his proposal to sell a 20% stake in FIFA's commercial rights to private investors.
The abandoned plan had explored whether selling a minority stake in a FIFA-controlled commercial company could raise more money for football development. 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. This led to opposition and boycott threats from various football organizations.
UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation, and CONCACAF subsequently called for changes to FIFA's leadership. Infantino's opponents have been struggling to find a candidate to challenge him, as he will be running for re-election in March in Rabat. Sources familiar with the discussions told Reuters that Infantino still had enough votes to win. As a result, opponents are focusing on curbing his powers.
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. Suggestions received by the October 15 Council meeting could 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 also assured member associations that their positions on proposals or governance matters would not affect their treatment by FIFA. Development and solidarity programmes would continue under existing rules. Infantino remains committed to leading FIFA and is confident in what can be achieved together.
Infantino's reform proposals aim to address concerns over FIFA's governance and decision-making processes. The independent review and consultations with stakeholders are key steps towards improving transparency and accountability. The outcome of these reforms will be closely watched by the football community, as Infantino seeks to regain support and strengthen FIFA's leadership.
Key points
- Infantino proposes independent review of FIFA's governance framework
- Infantino's plan aims to improve transparency and accountability within FIFA
- Infantino's opponents are focusing on curbing his powers ahead of his re-election in March
