FIFA President Infantino opens up the possibility of
Why it matters
Recent controversies over FIFA's governance have raised questions about the transparency and effectiveness of decisions made by the organisation. Gianni Infantino's openness to reforms could represent a crucial step in improving trust between football associations and fans, especially in view of the 2026 World Cup. Effective reforms could also positively influence the perception of FIFA globally.
Key points
- FIFA President Infantino opens up the possibility of.
- Gianni Infantino, president of FIFA, has announced his intention to consult the FIFA Council regarding the possibility of an external review of governance, in response to recent criticisms.
- FIFA president opens door on potential reforms as investment plan fallout continues - Yahoo Sports.
“Second, 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 process can be further strengthened. The consultation will invite specific proposals on early institutional involvement, the respective roles of the President, the Bureau, the Council and Congress, and practical ways to strengthen transparency, participation and accountability in key strategic initiatives.”
The Council, made up of 37 members from around the world, is scheduled to meet on October 15 in Zurich, Switzerland. The letter comes just days after the presidents of UEFA and Concacaf - the governing bodies of football in Europe and North America, Central America and the Caribbean - sent their own letter arguing that each member association should receive $10 million from FIFA's cash reserves following the success of the 2026 World Cup.
Asian Football Confederation president Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, who had joined the presidents of UEFA and Concacaf in previous communications, wrote a separate letter. Čeferin, Montagliani and Al Khalifa are all vice-presidents of the FIFA Council.
FIFA has been in a state of flux since just after the World Cup, when Infantino announced a plan to invite public investment for partial ownership of the tournament, an initiative widely criticized in the soccer world. Infantino withdrew the proposal, but its existence and the way it was introduced have prompted many leaders to call for an opposition candidate to challenge Infantino in the next FIFA presidential elections, scheduled for March 2027.
In his latest letter, he stressed that the proposal was now considered outdated and admitted that it had become public before he could present it to members as planned. “The proposal entered the public domain before the institutional process planned by FIFA was completed and before it could be fully presented to the Council and Member Associations.” Infantino wrote: "I recognize that, without the full context, this raised concern and created the impression that decisions had already been made. They had not. It remained a proposal, not a decision, and was always subject to the necessary approvals of the Council and Member Associations. It has now been withdrawn and will not proceed."
What happens now
The FIFA Council will meet on 15 October in Zurich to discuss Infantino's proposals for an external governance review. This consultation could lead to significant changes in the way FIFA manages its operations and its relationships with member associations. The outcome of these discussions will be crucial for the future of FIFA's governance and for the preparations for the 2026 World Cup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Gianni Infantino?
Gianni Infantino is the president of FIFA.
What did Infantino propose regarding reforms in FIFA?
Infantino proposed an external review of FIFA's governance and a consultation with member confederations and associations.
When will the FIFA Council meet?
The FIFA Council is scheduled to meet on October 15 in Zurich, Switzerland.
What is the objective of the consultation proposed by Infantino?
The aim is to strengthen FIFA's decision-making process and improve transparency, participation and accountability.
What did the presidents of UEFA and Concacaf request?
They requested that each member association receive $10 million from FIFA's cash reserves following the success of the 2026 World Cup.
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