Fifa president Gianni Infantino has proposed an external review of the organization's operations and expressed openness to reform. In a letter to Fifa Council members and national associations, Infantino outlined that the independent review would recommend potential improvements. He also suggested a consultation on enhancing Fifa's decision-making processes, including the role of the president and ways to strengthen transparency, participation, and accountability in strategic initiatives.
Infantino has faced pressure regarding his Fifa Forward Enterprise (FFE) proposal, which aimed to sell stakes in the World Cup and other competitions to private investors, leading to significant backlash. In his letter, Infantino stated, "Over recent weeks, I have taken time to listen before writing to you," indicating a willingness to engage with confederations, member associations, and relevant stakeholders during the consultation.
He clarified that the FFE plan did not involve relinquishing Fifa's control over sporting decisions and acknowledged that the proposal's premature public disclosure caused concern. Infantino emphasized that democratic processes and sporting authority were never for sale.
The letter follows demands from Uefa and Concacaf for Fifa to distribute $10 million to all 211 member associations from its cash reserves. The FFE plan would have established a new company to manage commercial and ticketing rights for Fifa competitions, with 21% sold to a private investment firm.
Infantino asserted that the collapse of the FFE does not diminish Fifa's ambition to invest in football and expand support for member associations. He stated, "What changes is not the ambition, but the strength of the process through which major ideas are developed, tested, and decided."
Debbie Hewitt, chair of the Football Association and Fifa vice-president, has called for the release of documents related to the FFE plan and an independent review. Infantino is set to stand for re-election in March 2027, with opponents having until November 18 to propose an alternative candidate. Uefa has initiated criminal legal proceedings against Infantino in the US regarding the FFE plan, demanding document disclosure. Fifa has responded by accusing Uefa of conducting a smear campaign against its leadership.
The upcoming Fifa Council meeting on October 15 will be the first since the crisis began, and it may provide Infantino with an opportunity to alleviate some of the pressure he faces. However, it remains uncertain whether proposed changes will be sufficient to win over critics who seek significant governance reforms, including limits on presidential terms, separation of powers, and a focus on human rights and sustainability.