FIFA President Gianni Infantino Says He Is Open To Talks Over Organisational Reform

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has opened the door to discussions over possible reforms to the organisation's governance and decision-making processes. He has proposed an independent external review of FIFA's governance framework for major strategic initiatives, alongside consultations with the governing body's 211 member associations and other stakeholders.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has said he is open to discussions about organisational reform after proposing an independent review of how major decisions are made within world football's governing body.

In a letter sent to the FIFA Council and presidents of all 211 member associations, Infantino said he would ask the Council whether it wished to commission an independent external review of FIFA's current governance framework for major strategic initiatives.

He also proposed a structured and time-limited consultation involving confederations, member associations and other stakeholders. The discussions would examine FIFA's decision-making structures, including the respective roles of the president, Bureau, Council and Congress, as well as ways to strengthen transparency, participation and accountability.

Infantino Opens The Door To Governance Review

The proposed review would focus on how FIFA handles major strategic initiatives and whether its existing governance framework requires improvement.

Infantino said he did not want to pre-judge the outcome of the discussions, arguing that different proposals should be considered on their merits. He indicated that member associations should have the opportunity to present their views before any changes are made.

The FIFA Council is scheduled to consider proposals received ahead of its 15 October meeting.

Consultation To Include FIFA's 211 Members

A major part of Infantino's proposal is wider consultation across FIFA's membership.

The FIFA president said discussions could consider whether major strategic decisions should require greater involvement from the Bureau, Council, Congress or the 211 member associations.

The proposed process would also look at practical measures for improving transparency and accountability when FIFA considers significant initiatives.

FIFA Forward Enterprise Proposal Withdrawn

The reform discussion follows controversy surrounding the FIFA Forward Enterprise proposal, which explored private investment in a FIFA-controlled commercial company connected to major competitions.

The proposal included the possibility of selling a 20% stake in commercial rights involving competitions such as the World Cup. It attracted strong opposition before being withdrawn in July.

Infantino acknowledged that the proposal entered the public domain before the appropriate institutional process had been completed. He said this created the impression that decisions had already been made, although he maintained that the plan remained a proposal requiring approval from FIFA's governing bodies.

Infantino Defends FIFA's Independence

While opening discussions about governance, Infantino also defended FIFA's institutional independence.

He said FIFA's democratic processes, sporting authority and independence were not being offered for sale, and stressed that the abandoned investment proposal did not involve surrendering FIFA's control over sporting decisions.

He also said FIFA would continue exploring sustainable ways to increase resources for football development and solidarity programmes.

Reform Debate Comes After Strong Criticism

The proposed changes come after significant criticism of Infantino's leadership following the abandoned investment plan.

UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation and CONCACAF have all called for changes within FIFA's leadership or governance following the controversy. UEFA has also pursued legal avenues connected to the abandoned proposal. These are positions and actions taken by those organisations, rather than findings established by FIFA's proposed review.

The debate has therefore shifted from the investment proposal itself towards broader questions about how FIFA's major strategic decisions should be developed and approved.

Infantino Confirms Commitment To Leading FIFA

Despite the pressure surrounding the governance debate, Infantino has made clear that he intends to remain in office.

He has confirmed his intention to seek a fourth term as FIFA president at the election scheduled for March 2027. As reported by Sky News and Reuters, his letter did not propose reviewing his own position but instead focused on the wider governance framework.

What Happens Next

The next significant stage will be the FIFA Council meeting scheduled for 15 October, when proposals received from members can be considered.

Any changes requiring amendments to FIFA's statutes would subsequently have to go through the appropriate Congress approval process.

For now, Infantino's proposal represents an opening for discussion rather than a completed reform programme. The outcome will depend on the views of FIFA's member associations, confederations and governing bodies as they consider how the organisation should handle major decisions in the future.