Germany and England demand answers from FIFA after Infantino project withdrawal

Germany and England have stepped up their criticism of FIFA president Gianni Infantino, despite his decision to abandon plans to open FIFA competitions – including the World Cup – to investment from the private sector.

The German Football Association (DFB) said Infantino had “acted irresponsibly”, while the Football Association (FA) called for a “thorough and rigorous review” of FIFA’s leadership and governance, according to French broadcaster RMC.

The reaction follows the withdrawal of Infantino’s controversial proposal after it triggered widespread criticism. The project had raised questions over how FIFA competitions could be financed and managed, as well as the process used to develop the plan.

DFB president Bernd Neuendorf criticised the way the proposal had been handled and called for a “full investigation” into how it was prepared. He also said football’s world governing body needed a “radical cultural change”.

“Gianni Infantino acted unilaterally, without transparency and, ultimately, irresponsibly towards the interests of football,” Neuendorf told Agence France-Presse.

He added: “Together with UEFA and the other confederations, we must ensure that a radically different culture prevails within FIFA. A culture in which decisions are discussed and taken again by the members within the governing bodies.”

Neuendorf’s comments represent a direct challenge to the way FIFA’s leadership dealt with the proposed investment model. His call for an investigation extends beyond the reversal of the plan itself, focusing on the internal decision-making process that allowed it to be developed.

The FA also issued a strong response, saying: “The time has come for a thorough and rigorous review of FIFA’s leadership and governance, to ensure that global football is run in a transparent way.”

The English governing body subsequently confirmed on its official account on X that it fully supported UEFA’s position in opposition to Infantino’s project.

The criticism from Germany and England comes after French Football Federation president Philippe Diallo described the proposal as “worrying”. France is considering a bid to host the FIFA World Cup in either 2038 or 2042, making the future organisation and governance of the competition a particularly significant issue for the country.

Infantino’s retreat has therefore failed to end the dispute. Instead, national associations are continuing to demand greater transparency and scrutiny over the way FIFA develops major projects and makes decisions affecting international football.

The DFB and FA’s statements add further pressure on Infantino, who now faces calls for a formal examination of FIFA’s leadership and governance following the collapse of the investment proposal.