Infantino proposes consultation on FIFA governance reform

FIFA President Gianni Infantino is proposing a consultation with member associations regarding a potential reform of the organization's governance processes. The initiative entails reviewing the roles of the President, the Bureau, the Council, and the Congress in strategic decision-making. Infantino launched the proposal in a letter addressed to the 211 member associations; copies were obtained by AFP and Reuters. "I will propose that the (FIFA) Council organize a direct, structured, and time-bound consultation with confederations, member associations, and relevant stakeholders regarding how FIFA's decision-making processes can be further strengthened," the letter states.

The proposals would focus on how decisions regarding major initiatives are made, specifically addressing the roles of the President, the Bureau, the Council, and the Congress. The consultation would also examine ways to enhance transparency and accountability.

Infantino proposes that initial proposals be reviewed during the FIFA Council meeting scheduled for October 15. He noted that "written contributions received subsequently - provided they arrive within a reasonable timeframe - will, of course, also be examined." "Any resulting amendments to the statutes would then be submitted to the Congress for review and approval, in accordance with the appropriate procedure," the FIFA President added.

Infantino stated that he had received conflicting views regarding which body should decide on major strategic issues. Some opinions argue that a unanimous agreement within the Bureau is mandatory, while others advocate for submitting these matters directly to the Congress and member associations. "It is not my role to anticipate the outcome of this discussion. Those who support a particular model must have the opportunity to clearly present their arguments," Infantino wrote. The FIFA President also stated that the member associations' stance on governance proposals or issues would not influence how the organization handles them. FIFA's development and solidarity programs will continue in accordance with existing rules.

The proposal comes at a time when Infantino - who is running for re-election next March-is facing pressure after spearheading, without prior consultation, a project to establish a commercial entity open to private investors, into which FIFA assets (including the World Cup) were to be transferred. Infantino ultimately withdrew the project, known as "FIFA Forward Enterprise" (FFE), following opposition from the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA), the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF), and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). "I acknowledge that, without knowing the full context, this raised concerns and created the impression that decisions had already been made. That was not the case. The proposal has now been withdrawn and will not be implemented," Infantino wrote. Despite the withdrawal of the FFE project, UEFA - subsequently joined by CONCACAF and the AFC - continues to pressure Infantino, calling for his resignation.