Infantino proposes FIFA consultation to strengthen decision-making

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has proposed a time-limited consultation with the organisation’s 211 member associations and other stakeholders to review how decisions are made.

In a letter sent on Monday and seen by AFP, Infantino said he would ask the FIFA Council to establish the process, which would consider changes to the governing body’s institutional structure.

“I will propose that the Council establish a direct, structured and time-limited consultation with confederations, Member Associations and relevant stakeholders on how FIFA’s decision-making can be further strengthened,” he wrote.

The 56-year-old Swiss has faced criticism since plans to bring private investment into the men’s and women’s World Cups were abandoned.

The proposed consultation would seek views on “earlier institutional involvement” and the respective responsibilities of the FIFA president, the Bureau, the Council and the Congress.

It would also examine ways to improve “transparency, participation and accountability in major strategic initiatives”, according to Infantino’s letter.

He called for the initial proposals to be considered at the next FIFA Council meeting, scheduled for October 15.

Infantino became FIFA president in 2016, replacing Sepp Blatter. Pressure on his leadership increased after plans were announced in late July for a commercial subsidiary to manage major events including the World Cup and Club World Cup.

Under the FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) initiative, private investors would have been able to acquire stakes in the new company. The proposals were quickly shelved after widespread opposition.

UEFA threatened to boycott FIFA competitions before suspending that action. European football’s governing body has also called for Infantino to resign and has been preparing possible legal proceedings over alleged “criminal mismanagement”.

Infantino defended the FFE project in his letter, insisting that “FIFA’s democratic processes, independence and sporting authority were never for sale”.

He also said the proposal “did not involve relinquishing FIFA’s control or authority over sporting decisions”.

However, he acknowledged that the plan had become public before FIFA’s internal process was complete and before it could be fully presented to the Council and the member associations.

“I recognise that, without the full context, this caused concern and created the impression that decisions had already been taken. They had not,” he wrote.

“Major ideas must be developed, tested and communicated through clear and trusted institutions. That is a responsibility I take seriously.”

In August, UEFA, CONCACAF and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) issued a strongly worded joint letter criticising Infantino.

“Leadership in football is not a possession. It is not about holding — or demanding — power to be held,” they said.

Infantino retains backing from some members of the international football community. Saudi Arabia, host of the 2034 World Cup, supported him last month, while CAF and CONMEBOL have also expressed support.

FIFA confirmed earlier in September that Infantino would seek re-election as president next March. He is currently the only declared candidate, although CONCACAF president Victor Montagliani is widely regarded as a possible challenger.

Nominations for the election must be submitted by November 18.