Infantino proposes independent review of FIFA governance after investment backlash
FIFA’s president will ask the Council to consider an external review after an abandoned plan to sell a 20 per cent stake in World Cup commercial rights triggered opposition and boycott threats.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has proposed an independent external review of the organisation’s governance framework for major strategic initiatives, following backlash over an abandoned investment plan.
In a letter to FIFA Council members and the presidents of its 211 member associations, Infantino said he would ask the Council whether it wished to commission the review, according to France 24, citing a document seen by Reuters.
He also proposed consultations with confederations, member associations and other stakeholders on possible reforms to FIFA’s decision-making processes. The discussions could examine who should approve major initiatives and the respective roles of the president, Bureau, Council and Congress.
The proposed sale of a 20 per cent stake in FIFA’s commercial rights, including the World Cup, was withdrawn in July after opposition and boycott threats. UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation and CONCACAF subsequently called for changes to FIFA’s leadership.
Infantino said the plan had been intended to explore raising additional funds for football development and would not have transferred control of sporting decisions. He acknowledged that the proposal’s release before it was fully presented to FIFA’s governing bodies had created the impression that decisions had already been made.
Proposals submitted before the FIFA Council meeting on 15 October could be discussed then, while the scope and timetable for any further consultation remain undecided. Any changes to FIFA’s statutes would require approval from FIFA Congress.
