FIFA president proposes independent review and stakeholder consultation for governance reforms
Gianni Infantino sent a letter to all FIFA members outlining two reform initiatives, including an external governance review and a structured consultation with confederations and associations, ahead of the October 15 council meeting.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino wrote to the FIFA Council and the presidents of all 211 member associations on Monday, presenting two separate reform proposals before the council’s meeting on Oct. 15. He asked the council to consider commissioning an independent external review of FIFA’s governance framework for major strategic initiatives and to recommend improvements. He also suggested establishing a direct, structured and time-limited consultation with confederations, member associations and other stakeholders to strengthen decision-making, transparency, participation and accountability.
"First, I will ask the Council whether it wishes to commission an independent external review of FIFA’s current governance framework for major strategic initiatives and recommend potential improvements," the letter states.
"Second, I will propose that the Council establish a direct, structured and time-limited consultation with confederations, Member Associations and relevant stakeholders on how FIFA’s decision-making can be further strengthened," the letter adds.
Infantino emphasized that FIFA’s democratic processes, independence and sporting authority “are not for sale.” He clarified that the abandoned FIFA Forward Enterprise proposal, which would have allowed a U.S. investment fund to purchase a 20% stake in FIFA’s commercial operations, was never approved and has been withdrawn. He said the proposal’s premature leak caused concern because it was presented without the full institutional process.
"It did not involve relinquishing FIFA’s control or authority over sporting decisions," Infantino wrote.
He noted that the withdrawal does not alter FIFA’s ambition to reinvest its success in football and that future growth will rely on a robust decision-making process. Despite recent calls from UEFA and CONCACAF leaders for him to step down, Infantino confirmed his intention to run for re-election in March, remaining the sole candidate as the nomination deadline approaches.
The council will decide whether to adopt the proposed review and consultation framework.