Gianni Infantino opens door to FIFA reforms after World Cup rights controversy

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has proposed an independent review of the organisation’s governance structure following the backlash over his abandoned plan to commercialise stakes in FIFA competition rights.

In a letter sent on Monday to the FIFA Council and the presidents of the 211 member associations, Infantino said he was open to discussions about changes to FIFA’s decision-making structure, according to Reuters.

Infantino proposes independent governance review

Infantino proposed that an independent external body conduct a comprehensive review of FIFA’s governance framework, particularly in relation to major strategic initiatives.

He also called for consultations with the confederations and member associations to examine who should have authority over important decisions and how the responsibilities of the FIFA president, Council, Bureau and Congress should be defined.

The proposed discussions would also consider ways to improve transparency and accountability within the organisation.

Infantino acknowledged that the recent controversy had caused concern among FIFA members and said the investment proposal had been withdrawn.

“I am aware that this matter, without providing the full context, has caused concern and given the impression that decisions have already been made, which is not true. It remained merely a proposal, not a decision, and was always subject to the approval of the Council and the member associations. It has now been withdrawn and will not be adopted.”

FIFA Forward Enterprise proposal sparked backlash

The proposed reforms follow the controversy surrounding FIFA Forward Enterprise, an initiative aimed at increasing the commercial value of FIFA competitions and generating additional funding for football development.

FIFA had said the proposed subsidiary could increase development funding for its 211 member associations, with potential funding rising from $8 million per association during the 2023-26 cycle to $20 million for 2027-30, subject to approval.

The proposal faced strong opposition from several confederations, including UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation and CONCACAF. FIFA subsequently abandoned the plan, while calls for greater transparency and an independent review of the organisation’s finances and governance intensified.

Infantino had maintained that the proposal was still at the consultation stage and that any move forward would require approval from the FIFA Council and member associations.

FIFA election adds to pressure

The governance debate comes ahead of the next FIFA presidential election, scheduled for March 2027 in Rabat, Morocco.

Reuters reported that Infantino continues to have significant support among FIFA’s membership, while opponents have been seeking a credible challenger and discussing ways to strengthen institutional checks on the president’s powers.

Infantino said FIFA members held different views on how major decisions should be taken, with some favouring unanimity within the Bureau and others preferring decisions to be referred directly to the FIFA Congress.

“It is not my role to prejudge this debate.”

The initial proposals are expected to be discussed at the FIFA Council meeting on October 15, with any changes to FIFA’s statutes requiring approval by Congress.

Infantino also sought to reassure member associations that their positions on the governance debate would not affect how they are treated by FIFA.

“The treatment of any federation will not depend on its position on any proposal or institutional matter,” he said.

He concluded: “I remain fully committed to leading FIFA, and I am confident in what we can achieve together.”