Infantino proposes independent FIFA review after FFE backlash

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has proposed an independent review of the organisation’s operations and said he is open to reforms following growing scrutiny over his abandoned commercial investment plan.

In a letter to members of the FIFA Council and the organisation’s 211 member associations, Infantino said the external review would identify “potential improvements” to the way football’s governing body operates.

He also proposed a consultation on how FIFA’s decision-making could be strengthened, including possible changes concerning the role of the president.

Infantino seeks wider consultation

The proposed review would examine practical measures to improve transparency, participation and accountability in major strategic decisions.

Infantino said the consultation would involve confederations, member associations and other relevant stakeholders, describing the process as an opportunity to assess whether Fifa’s governance remains appropriate for the scale of decisions facing the organisation.

“Over recent weeks, I have taken time to listen before writing to you,” Infantino said in his letter.

The proposal comes after significant criticism of the now-abandoned Fifa Forward Enterprise (FFE) plan, which would have involved creating a new company to manage commercial and ticketing rights for FIFA competitions.

The proposed structure included the sale of a 21% stake to a private investment company, prompting opposition from several parts of the football community.

Infantino defended the original proposal, insisting it would not have transferred FIFA’s authority over sporting decisions.

FIFA chief defends controversial plan

Infantino said the FFE proposal became public before FIFA had completed its internal process and acknowledged that this created the impression that decisions had already been made.

“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,” he wrote.

“I recognise that, without the full context, this caused concern and created the impression that decisions had already been taken. They had not.”

He also insisted that Fifa’s democratic processes and sporting independence were never part of the proposed deal.

“Democratic processes, independence and sporting authority were never for sale. They are not for sale and never will be,” he said.

The FFE controversy has intensified pressure on Infantino, with UEFA and Concacaf reportedly calling for FIFA to distribute $10m to each of its 211 members from its reserves.

Earlier this month, Football Association chair Debbie Hewitt also called for the release of documents relating to the FFE proposal and backed an independent review.

Infantino is seeking a fourth term as FIFA president in March 2027, while potential opponents have until November 18 to nominate an alternative candidate.