Infantino proposes FIFA governance reform and calls on federations to participate

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has sent a message to the FIFA Council and the heads of the 211 national federations, suggesting the opening of direct and organized consultations to reform the governance system of the organization and enhance decision-making mechanisms.

Infantino has proposed that FIFA's council conduct an external and independent review of the current governance framework related to major strategic initiatives, with the aim of identifying possible improvements. He also called for consultations with continental and national federations and stakeholders to discuss ways to enhance transparency, participation, and accountability.

Discussions will include examining the roles and powers of FIFA's president, executive committee, council, and congress, as well as how to involve relevant bodies early in the decision-making process for strategic decisions. The initial proposals are set to be discussed during the FIFA council meeting scheduled in Zurich on October 15.

Infantino's move comes amid increasing pressure on his leadership following the controversy surrounding the "FIFA Forward Enterprise" project, which involved engaging private sector investors in the commercial rights of some FIFA tournaments, before the project was withdrawn. Infantino acknowledged in his message that the proposal was made public before completing the necessary institutional procedures, confirming that it had not turned into a decision and that it would not go ahead.

Gianni Infantino is preparing to run for the FIFA presidency in March 2027, having previously announced his candidacy for a new term. The elections in 2019 and 2023 saw him re-elected unopposed.