Infantino offers external review of FIFA governance after investment plan backlash

FIFA President Gianni Infantino wrote to the FIFA Council and all 211 member associations on Monday, acknowledging that the organization's handling of a now-abandoned investment plan had caused concern, and outlining proposals to review how FIFA makes major decisions.

Infantino said he would ask the Council whether it wants to commission an independent external review of FIFA's current governance framework for major strategic initiatives, with the goal of recommending potential improvements. He also plans to propose consultations with confederations, member associations and other stakeholders on strengthening FIFA's decision-making process, including clarifying the roles of the president, Bureau, Council and Congress, and improving transparency and accountability.

Backlash over investment plan

Infantino faced strong criticism over a proposal to sell a 20 percent stake in FIFA's commercial rights, including the World Cup, to private investors. The plan was abandoned in July following opposition and boycott threats, after which UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation and CONCACAF called for changes to FIFA's leadership.

Infantino said the withdrawn plan had been intended to explore whether selling a minority stake in a FIFA-controlled commercial company could raise more money for football development, without involving any loss of control over sporting decisions. However, the proposal became public before it could be fully presented to the Council and member associations, he said, adding that without full context it created a false impression that a decision had already been made, when in fact it had not.

Infantino noted he had heard differing views on who should decide major strategic questions — some favor requiring unanimous agreement within the Bureau, while others want such matters put directly to Congress and member associations. Proposals can be submitted ahead of the FIFA Council meeting on October 15 for discussion there, with later submissions to be considered within a deadline still to be set. Any changes to FIFA's statutes would require approval from Congress.

Infantino also stated that member associations' positions on proposals or governance matters would not affect how they are treated by FIFA, and that the organization's development and solidarity programs would continue under existing rules.