Geneva, Sept 21. (dpa/GNA) – FIFA president, Gianni Infantino, has offered talks on possible reforms at world football’s governing body, amid mounting criticism of his leadership, according to a letter seen by dpa.
In the letter to the heads of FIFA’s 211 member associations and members of the FIFA Council, Infantino proposed an independent external review of FIFA’s governance and consultations, on strengthening its decision-making processes, including the role of the president.
“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,” Infantino wrote. “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 discussions would include how FIFA institutions could be involved earlier in major projects, and what role the president should play in future decision-making.
Infantino, 56, came under fire recently over eventually scrapped plans to sell stakes in FIFA competitions, such as the World Cup to private investors.
At the same time, Infantino made clear that he intends to continue leading FIFA. There was no suggestion that he would abandon a bid for a fourth term at the FIFA Congress in March 2027, as critics led by UEFA president, Aleksander ÄŚeferin, have demanded.
“I remain fully committed to leading FIFA and confident in what we can achieve together,” Infantino wrote. “Our responsibility is larger than any individual proposal or disagreement. It is to protect FIFA’s independence, strengthen its institutions, and ensure that football’s progress benefits the whole game, everywhere in the world.”
Proposals received before the FIFA Council meeting on October 15, could already be considered there.
UEFA and CONCACAF have taken a hard line against Infantino in recent weeks, although they have yet to put forward a challenger for the FIFA presidency.
The dispute escalated in late August, with the threat of legal action in Switzerland over the World Cup investment plans.
Infantino struck a conciliatory tone towards his critics in the letter. “No association’s treatment will depend on its position on any proposal or institutional matter,” he wrote. “Every Member Association is entitled to be heard. Agreement is not a condition for dialogue, and disagreement should never prevent mutual respect.”
GNA