MEXICO CITY (AP) – FIFA President Gianni Infantino has signaled a willingness to undergo an independent review of the organization's governance framework and is open to considering reforms amid growing scrutiny. This comes in light of criticism following the controversial FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) project, which aimed to introduce private investment into FIFA's events.
In a letter addressed to FIFA Council members and the 211 member associations, Infantino expressed his desire to initiate discussions regarding an independent assessment of FIFA's governance system. The upcoming FIFA Council meeting, scheduled for October 15, 2023, will likely serve as a platform for this proposal.
Infantino's letter states, “I will ask the Council whether it wishes to commission an external, independent assessment of FIFA’s current governance framework for major strategic initiatives and to recommend potential improvements.” He also suggested establishing a structured consultation process with confederations and member associations aimed at enhancing FIFA’s decision-making processes.
The backlash over the FIFA Forward Enterprise proposal has intensified, particularly after it was leaked to the public earlier than anticipated. This premature disclosure sparked significant criticism and division among member associations, especially among prominent members from the European soccer body UEFA, several of whom retracted support for Infantino.
Infantino acknowledged the tumultuous situation in his letter, stating, “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 recognize that, without full context, this caused concern and created the impression that decisions had already been taken. They had not.”
The fallout from the FFE plan has escalated, leading to potential legal ramifications. UEFA has reportedly begun drafting criminal charges against Infantino in U.S. courts, seeking the release of pertinent documents related to the FFE initiative.
Despite these controversies, Infantino remains focused on his goal of increasing revenue for FIFA. He asserted, “Withdrawing this proposal does not diminish our ambition or our responsibility to reinvest a greater share of the fruits of FIFA’s success into football. We will continue to explore sustainable ways to increase FIFA’s resources. What changes is not the ambition, but the strength of the process.”
This governance crisis arises at a critical juncture for the FIFA leadership. Infantino, who is 56, plans to seek re-election for a fourth term in March 2027, while potential challengers must submit their candidacy by November 18, 2023.
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