Gianni Infantino Opens Dialogue on FIFA Governance Reform - Tempo.co English
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - FIFA President Gianni Infantino has stated he is open to dialogue regarding governance reform and decision-making processes within the world football governing body.
Infantino proposed consultations with confederations, member associations, and stakeholders to discuss potential changes.
“I do not wish to preempt those discussions. Those who favor a particular model should have the opportunity to clearly present their arguments,” Infantino wrote in a letter to the FIFA Council and the presidents of the 211 member associations, as reported by The Athletic on Tuesday and cited by Antara.
Infantino also proposed an independent external review of FIFA’s governance framework for strategic decision-making. Such a review could yield recommendations for improving the organization's decision-making processes.
“First, I will ask the Council whether they wish to commission an independent external review of FIFA’s current governance framework for key strategic initiatives and recommend necessary improvements,” he wrote.
The dialogue will address which bodies should hold the authority to make FIFA’s strategic decisions, including the division of roles among the FIFA President, the Bureau, the Council, and the Congress.
Infantino also opened discussions regarding decision-making mechanisms. One idea being floated is that strategic decisions require unanimous approval from the FIFA Bureau, while other proposals suggest bringing such matters directly to the Congress and all member associations.
Input received from FIFA members prior to the Council meeting on October 15 could be discussed during that session. Additional input will also be considered, with a deadline to be determined later.
Should the dialogue process result in proposed amendments to FIFA’s statutes, those changes would require approval from the FIFA Congress.
This push for reform follows opposition to Infantino’s plan to sell a 20 percent stake in FIFA’s commercial rights—including those for the World Cup—to private investors.
That plan was ultimately scrapped in July following resistance and threats of a boycott.
Infantino explained that the proposal was originally intended to explore the possibility of raising additional funds for football development through the sale of a minority stake in a FIFA-controlled commercial entity. “It remains a proposal, not a decision, and is always subject to the necessary approval from the Council and member associations. The proposal has now been withdrawn and will not be pursued,” wrote Infantino.
UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), and CONCACAF subsequently called for a change in FIFA’s leadership.
Gianni Infantino himself is scheduled to run for re-election as FIFA President in March 2027 in Rabat.
Amidst these discussions, Infantino emphasized that the stance of member associations regarding the proposal or governance issues would not affect how FIFA treats them.
“No association will be treated differently based on its position regarding the proposal or any institutional matter,” he wrote.
