Infantino proposes FIFA governance review after Forward Enterprise controversy

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has proposed an independent review of the organisation’s governance and decision-making processes.

The plan was outlined in a letter sent to FIFA Council members and the presidents of all 211 affiliated football associations, according to The Athletic, which has seen the correspondence.

Infantino wants FIFA’s governance structure to be examined at the organisation’s Council meeting on 15 October. He has also proposed appointing an independent external body to investigate how FIFA currently manages major strategic initiatives and identify areas for improvement.

The Swiss administrator is seeking further changes to the way decisions are developed and approved within world football’s governing body. His proposal includes a formal, temporary consultation involving the confederations, national football associations and other stakeholders.

That process would examine how FIFA could strengthen its decision-making structures and ensure that major projects receive sufficient support before they are pursued.

Infantino has faced sustained criticism over FIFA Forward Enterprise, a controversial proposal which was withdrawn after widespread opposition. He said the episode had shown that ambitious projects could succeed only when the decision-making process was trusted.

“Big ideas need to be developed, tested and communicated through clear and reliable institutions. This is a responsibility that I take very seriously,” Infantino wrote in the letter.

The proposed review comes as Infantino’s position remains under scrutiny among parts of European football. UEFA and several organisations affiliated with European football’s governing body, including France and the Netherlands, have already withdrawn their confidence in him.

Despite that opposition, Infantino intends to seek another term as FIFA president. He currently has no officially declared opponent in the election.

Potential challengers have until 18 November to announce their candidacies.