FIFA President Gianni Infantino proposed on Monday to hold 'consultations' with member federations to reform decision-making processes in world football governance. This proposal was outlined in a letter addressed to the 211 member associations, according to AFP.
Infantino wrote: 'I will propose to the Council to create a direct, structured, and time-limited consultation with confederations, Member Associations, and relevant stakeholders on how to strengthen FIFA's decision-making process.'
The 56-year-old Swiss man came under criticism after his plan to attract private investment into the men's and women's World Cups was canceled. The letter emphasized that the consultation was intended to gather specific proposals regarding earlier institutional involvement, the roles of the President, Bureau, Council, and Congress, as well as practical ways to increase transparency, engagement, and accountability in major strategic initiatives.
Infantino asked for the initial proposals to be considered at the council meeting scheduled for October 15. He took office as FIFA President, succeeding Sepp Blatter in 2016. Since announcing in late July plans to create a commercial subsidiary to host major events such as the World Cup and Club World Cup, he has been under significant pressure.
This plan involved the possibility for private investors to acquire stakes in a company established under the FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) initiative. However, the subsequent negative reaction led to the rapid postponement of these proposals. The European football body UEFA threatened to boycott FIFA competitions. Although this threat was later withdrawn, UEFA strongly urged Infantino to resign and prepared for a potential lawsuit against him on charges of 'criminal mismanagement.'
In his letter, Infantino addressed FFE, stating that 'the democratic processes, independence, and sporting authority of FIFA have never been for sale.' He also insisted that the plan 'did not imply FIFA giving up control or powers over sporting decisions.'
Transparency and Trust
He expressed regret that the scheme 'entered the public sphere before the planned institutional process of FIFA was completed and before it could be fully presented to the Council and Member Associations.' Infantino added: 'I recognize that without full context, this caused concern and created the impression that decisions had already been made. They were not made.'
He concluded that 'big ideas must be developed, tested, and communicated through clear and reliable institutions. This is a responsibility I take very seriously.'
UEFA, together with the North American body CONCACAF and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), issued a joint sharp letter against Infantino in August. In it, they wrote: 'Leadership in football is not property. It is not about owning or claiming ownership of power.'
Nevertheless, Infantino has supporters: Saudi Arabia, the host of the 2034 World Cup, supported him last month, as did the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and CONMEBOL from South America. FIFA previously confirmed in September that Infantino would run for re-election president next March. Currently, he is the only candidate, but CONCACAF President Victor Montaliani is considered a likely rival. Nominations for candidates for next year's elections must be submitted by November 18.