Infantino Proposes External Governance Review Amid Controversy Over FFE Plan

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has called for an external review of the organization’s operations, signaling openness to structural reforms following mounting criticism.

In a letter addressed to FIFA Council members and all national associations, Infantino outlined plans for an independent assessment aimed at identifying “potential areas for improvement” within the global football governing body.

Scheduled ahead of an upcoming FIFA Council meeting, the proposed consultation will also focus on enhancing the organization’s decision-making framework. This includes evaluating the role of the presidency and exploring methods to enhance transparency, participation, and accountability in strategic initiatives.

The move comes amid rising scrutiny over Infantino’s previously abandoned FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) initiative, which sought to sell equity stakes in major tournaments such as the World Cup to private investors. The proposal faced significant pushback from various stakeholders.

In a tone suggesting reconciliation, Infantino acknowledged in his letter: “Over recent weeks, I have taken time to listen before writing to you.” He firmly maintained that the FFE plan “did not involve relinquishing FIFA’s control or authority over sporting decisions. Obviously!”

The letter further explained, “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 the full context, this caused concern and created the impression that decisions had already been taken. They had not.”

Infantino emphasized that democratic principles, independence, and sporting integrity remain non-negotiable: “They are not for sale and never will be,” he stated. He reaffirmed his commitment to leading FIFA and expressed confidence in the collective potential of its leadership.

These developments follow formal demands from both UEFA and CONCACAF, urging FIFA to distribute $10 million among its 211 member associations from its reserves—highlighting growing tensions around financial governance.

The now-defunct FFE model had envisioned establishing a new entity to oversee commercial and ticketing rights for all FIFA competitions, with 21% ownership offered to a private investment firm. While abandoning the scheme, Infantino asserted that it does not undermine FIFA’s long-term goals: “We will continue to explore sustainable ways to grow FIFA’s resources and expand development and solidarity support for every member association.”

He added, “What changes is not the ambition, but the strength of the process through which major ideas are developed, tested, and decided.”

Earlier this month, FA Chair Debbie Hewitt—a FIFA vice-president—publicly urged Infantino to release all documents tied to the FFE proposal. The 56-year-old Swiss-Italian executive is poised to seek re-election in March 2027, with potential rivals given until November 18 to rally behind an alternative candidate.

Meanwhile, UEFA recently initiated criminal legal proceedings against Infantino in U.S. courts concerning the FFE plan, pressuring FIFA to disclose related documentation. In response, FIFA dismissed the move as a “smear campaign” targeting the institution and its leadership.

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