FIFA President Gianni Infantino has proposed a consultation with the 211 member associations to reform the decision-making processes of the world football governing body. In a letter addressed to the member associations, Infantino suggested a "direct, structured and time-limited consultation" with confederations, member associations, and relevant stakeholders. This move comes after his plan to allow private investment in the World Cup was withdrawn following a global backlash.
Infantino's proposal aims to strengthen FIFA's decision-making processes by inviting 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 been under severe 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 global 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." 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. Infantino addressed FFE in his letter, stating that "FIFA's democratic processes, independence, and sporting authority were never for sale." He also insisted that the plan "did not involve relinquishing FIFA's control or authority over sporting decisions."
Infantino lamented the fact 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." The FIFA president confirmed that he will stand for re-election as president next March and is currently the only candidate.
However, 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 letter to the member associations comes as he attempts to regain the trust of the football community. The consultation process is expected to provide a platform for member associations to provide feedback and suggestions on how to improve FIFA's decision-making processes.
The outcome of the consultation process and the proposed reforms will be closely watched by the football community. Infantino's presidency has been marked by controversy, and the proposed reforms will be seen as a test of his commitment to transparency and accountability. The FIFA president's ability to navigate the complex landscape of international football will be crucial in determining the success of his proposed reforms.
Key points
- Infantino proposes consulting member federations to reform FIFA's decision-making processes.
- The consultation process aims to strengthen transparency, participation, and accountability in major strategic initiatives.
- Infantino's presidency has been marked by controversy, including his plan to allow private investment in the World Cup.
