The Premier League has joined forces with Spain's La Liga, Germany's Bundesliga, and Italy's Serie A to call for fundamental reforms in the way Fifa is run. The four leagues claim that Fifa's president, Gianni Infantino, has promoted exploitative ideas and that the governing body's current structure is not transparent, objective, or inclusive. They argue that Fifa's relentless expansionism affects everyone and that its foundations must be strengthened for the sport to grow globally.
The joint statement comes days after Infantino proposed an external review of Fifa's operations amid a crisis over his failed plan to sell a stake in the World Cup to private investors. The four leagues reference one of the biggest abuses of power in Fifa's history, the Fifa Forward Enterprise scheme, which was withdrawn after a global outcry. They claim that the conditions that led to the scheme remain and that fundamental governance reform is essential to restore clear constitutional boundaries within Fifa.
The leagues argue that Fifa's governance problem goes beyond the role of one individual and that the concentration of unchecked regulatory, commercial, and political power in a single office is not fit for purpose. They call on Fifa to establish a permanent body representing key stakeholders, including leagues, clubs, and players, which has a meaningful role in decision-making. They also demand evidence-based decision-making and a separation between Fifa's regulatory role and its commercial function.
The four leagues want Fifa to create robust institutional safeguards to preserve trust, legitimacy, and accountability, with ethics, financial oversight, and electoral bodies that are genuinely independent of the Fifa administration and presidency. They argue that their legal action, filed with the European Commission two years ago, is a consequence of a flawed governance framework in which Fifa can use its regulatory authority to advance its own commercial objectives without accounting for the impact on national competitions.
Despite three confederations calling for his resignation, Infantino has announced that he will stand for re-election in March. The four leagues want candidates to support their proposals and say that now is the moment to decide not only who will lead Fifa but also how Fifa should be led. They emphasize that leagues have a crucial role to play in this process and want to ensure that every league's voice is heard.
The letter calling for reforms is signed by Richard Masters, chief executive of the Premier League, Marc Lenz, CEO of the Bundesliga, Javier Tebas, president of La Liga, and Luigi De Siervo, CEO of Serie A. Last month, Masters told BBC Sport that Infantino had "pressed the self-destruct button" by delivering a self-inflicted wound over the Fifa Forward Enterprise scheme.
The Premier League and other top European leagues are demanding significant changes in Fifa's governance structure to ensure that the sport's governing body is transparent, objective, and inclusive. The outcome of their efforts remains to be seen, particularly with Infantino set to stand for re-election in March. The four leagues are determined to play a crucial role in shaping Fifa's future and ensuring that the voice of every league is heard in the process.
Key points
- The Premier League and three top European leagues are calling for fundamental reforms in Fifa's governance structure.
- The leagues argue that Fifa's current structure is not transparent, objective, or inclusive and that its president has promoted exploitative ideas.
- The reforms aim to establish a more transparent and accountable Fifa, with a separation between regulatory and commercial functions.
