FIFA President Gianni Infantino has proposed an independent external review of the governing body’s decision-making process, while acknowledging that the handling of the now-abandoned FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) movement caused concern among member associations.
In a letter sent to FIFA Council members and the presidents of all 211 member associations, Infantino said the review would examine FIFA’s governance framework for major strategic initiatives and “recommend potential improvements”.
He also proposed a structured consultation on how the organisation’s decision-making can be strengthened.
Proposed Reforms and the FFE Controversy
Infantino’s proposals are expected to be discussed at the FIFA Council meeting on October 15. They would examine the respective roles of the president, Bureau, Council and Congress, alongside practical measures aimed at improving transparency, participation and accountability.
The move comes after significant criticism surrounding the FFE proposal, which explored creating a FIFA-controlled commercial company and allowing private investors to acquire a minority stake in its commercial rights, including those connected to the World Cup. The proposal was ultimately withdrawn after opposition from several football authorities.
Infantino sought to explain his position, writing: “Over recent weeks, I have taken time to listen before writing to you”.
He also maintained that the FFE proposal “did not involve relinquishing Fifa’s control or authority over sporting decisions. Obviously!”
The FIFA president acknowledged that the proposal became public before the organisation’s internal process had been completed, which he said created the impression that a decision had already been made.
“The proposal entered the public domain before Fifa’s planned institutional process had been completed and before it could be presented in full 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.”
Infantino further insisted: “democratic processes, independence and sporting authority were never for sale. They are not for sale and never will be.”
Infantino’s Re-election Bid
The governance controversy comes as Infantino prepares to seek another term as FIFA president. He confirmed in May that he would stand for re-election in 2027, with the election scheduled for March 18 at the FIFA Congress in Rabat, Morocco.
The 56-year-old has faced increased criticism in recent months, including opposition to the FFE proposal and calls from some football authorities for changes to FIFA’s leadership and governance.
Despite the criticism, Infantino has made clear that he intends to remain in charge, concluding his letter by stating: “I remain fully committed to leading Fifa and confident in what we can achieve together.”
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