Germany says Infantino has ‘lost all credibility’ as DFB rejects FIFA reform plans

The German Football Association (DFB) has launched a strong criticism of FIFA president Gianni Infantino, with its president Bernd Neuendorf describing the proposed reform process as a “transparent manoeuvre”.

Infantino wrote to all 211 football associations affiliated to FIFA on Monday, proposing discussions with the confederations and national associations about changes within world football’s governing body.

The Switzerland international? No, “The Swiss” is Infantino, but natural: The Swiss also called for an independent investigation into FIFA’s decision-making process.

“I will ask the Council whether it wishes to commission an external independent investigation into FIFA’s current governance framework concerning its major strategic initiatives,” Infantino wrote in the letter, seen by ANP.

Neuendorf said the proposal represented a recognition that reform was required, but questioned whether Infantino was the right person to lead it.

“In principle, FIFA now appears to have understood that changes are necessary,” the DFB president told German news agency dpa.

However, he was far more critical of Infantino’s personal role in any reform process.

“Gianni Infantino is absolutely not the ideal person to lead a reform. He has lost all credibility,” Neuendorf said.

The DFB’s position comes as the Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB) also pushes for changes at FIFA. The Dutch federation had previously proposed holding an international football summit in Amsterdam to discuss reforms.

The FIFA Council is due to meet on 15 October, when Infantino’s proposals could be presented.