FIFA president Gianni Infantino has proposed a consultation with the 211 member associations to reform the world football governing body's decision-making processes. In a letter addressed to the member associations, Infantino suggested a "direct, structured and time-limited consultation" on how FIFA's decision-making can be further strengthened. This move comes after his now-abandoned plan to bring private investment into the men's and women's World Cups faced severe backlash. Infantino's letter was seen by AFP and is dated Monday.
Infantino's proposed consultation will invite specific proposals on earlier institutional involvement, the respective roles of the President, the Bureau, the Council, and the Congress, and practical ways to strengthen transparency, participation, and accountability in major strategic initiatives. The initial proposals will be considered at the council meeting scheduled for October 15. Infantino replaced Sepp Blatter as president of FIFA in 2016 and has come under pressure since the announcement of proposals to create a commercial subsidiary to run its biggest events.
The plan, which would have allowed private investors to acquire stakes in a company created under the FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) initiative, was quickly shelved after a massive backlash. European football's governing body UEFA threatened to boycott FIFA competitions and later suspended that threat but has urged Infantino to resign and has been preparing possible legal action against him for alleged "criminal mismanagement". Infantino addressed FFE in his letter, stating that "FIFA's democratic processes, independence, and sporting authority were never for sale".
Infantino further lamented that the scheme "entered the public domain before FIFA's planned institutional process had been completed and before it could be presented in full to the Council and the Member Associations". He added that "major ideas must be developed, tested, and communicated through clear and trusted institutions. That is a responsibility I take seriously." UEFA, alongside North American body CONCACAF and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), issued a joint letter against Infantino in August.
However, Infantino is not without friends, with 2034 World Cup hosts Saudi Arabia coming out in support last month, along with African football's governing body CAF and South America's CONMEBOL. FIFA confirmed earlier in September that Infantino will stand for re-election as president next March, and at this stage, he is the only candidate. CONCACAF president Victor Montagliani is widely seen as a likely challenger.
Candidate nominations for next year's election must be submitted by November 18. Infantino's move to consult with member federations may be seen as an attempt to regain support and trust from the football community. The outcome of the consultation and the proposed reforms will be closely watched by the football world.
The controversy surrounding Infantino's proposals and the backlash from UEFA and other governing bodies has raised questions about the future of FIFA and its leadership. As the football world waits for the outcome of the consultation and the election, one thing is certain - the next few months will be crucial for the future of FIFA and its president.
Key points
- Infantino proposes consultation with member federations to reform FIFA's decision-making processes.
- The consultation will focus on strengthening transparency, participation, and accountability in major strategic initiatives.
- Infantino's move comes after his now-abandoned plan to bring private investment into the men's and women's World Cups faced severe backlash.
