FIFA President Gianni Infantino has proposed an independent review of the governing body's decision-making processes, acknowledging concerns raised over a previously abandoned investment plan. In a letter to the FIFA Council and all 211 member association presidents, Infantino stated, "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."
He suggested consultations with confederations, member associations, and other stakeholders to enhance FIFA's decision-making transparency and accountability. The proposals aim to clarify the roles of the president, bureau, council, and congress in major initiatives.
Infantino faced significant backlash regarding a plan to sell a 20 percent stake in FIFA’s commercial rights, including those related to the World Cup, to private investors. This plan was abandoned in July following opposition and threats of boycott from UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation, and Concacaf, which called for changes in FIFA's leadership. Infantino explained that the abandoned plan was intended to explore funding opportunities for football development without relinquishing control over sporting decisions.
He noted that the proposal became public prematurely, leading to misunderstandings about the decision-making process. "I recognize that, without the full context, this caused concern and created the impression that decisions had already been taken. They had not," Infantino stated.
He emphasized that the proposal was always subject to the necessary approvals of the Council and the Member Associations and has now been withdrawn. Infantino acknowledged differing opinions on who should decide major strategic questions, indicating that suggestions could be discussed at the FIFA Council meeting on October 15, with later submissions also considered. Any amendments to FIFA’s statutes would require congress approval.
Additionally, Infantino assured that member associations' positions on governance matters would not affect their treatment by FIFA, affirming that development and solidarity programs would continue under existing rules. "No association’s treatment will depend on its position on any proposal or institutional matter," he wrote. "I remain fully committed to leading FIFA and confident in what we can achieve together."