FIFA President Gianni Infantino has proposed an independent review of the organization's governance following backlash over a controversial commercial proposal.
Key facts
- •Infantino proposed an independent review of FIFA's governance framework for major strategic initiatives.
- •A consultation period is planned to discuss the roles of the president, council, and congress in decision-making.
- •The FFE proposal involved selling a 21% stake in a new commercial entity to private investors.
- •UEFA and Concacaf have demanded that FIFA pay $10 million to each of its 211 member associations.
- •Infantino is set to stand for a fourth term as FIFA president in March 2027.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has proposed an external, independent review of the organization's governance framework for major strategic initiatives. In a letter to FIFA council members, Infantino suggested commissioning a review to recommend improvements and establishing a structured consultation period with member associations and stakeholders to strengthen decision-making transparency and accountability.
By the numbers
Context of the Proposal
The proposal follows significant criticism regarding Infantino’s aborted 'FIFA Forward Enterprise' (FFE) plan, which would have involved creating a new company to manage commercial and ticketing rights for competitions, including the World Cup, with 21% of the stake sold to private investors. The plan faced widespread backlash, including calls for a boycott over the summer.
Ongoing Tensions and Legal Challenges
Infantino’s leadership has faced mounting pressure from confederations, including UEFA and Concacaf, which have demanded that FIFA distribute $10 million to each of its 211 member associations from cash reserves. Additionally, UEFA has initiated steps toward criminal legal proceedings in the U.S. regarding the FFE plan, demanding the release of all related documents. FIFA has characterized UEFA's actions as a 'smear campaign' against the organization and its leadership.
Timeline
- SummerInfantino faced backlash and boycott calls over the FFE proposal.
- Last monthUEFA began preparing criminal legal proceedings against Infantino in the U.S.
- Earlier this monthFA chair Debbie Hewitt demanded the release of all documents related to the FFE plan.
- MondayInfantino proposed an external review of FIFA governance.
- 18 NovemberDeadline for opponents to find an alternative candidate for the 2027 election.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by France24 Sport, BBC Sport.
