Gianni Infantino, FIFA President, has expressed his willingness to discuss reforms in this global football organization in an official letter to all FIFA vice presidents, members of the FIFA Council, and member federations. This move comes in response to criticisms and strong reactions to the controversial "FIFA Forward" initiative, which has caused tensions among federations and stakeholders.
Background and Reasons for Proposing Reforms
Infantino is seeking support from concerned federations as he approaches the FIFA presidential elections next year and sees his position at risk. Criticism of his plans to sell shares in FIFA competitions to private investment companies has led to severe reactions, including UEFA's threat to boycott FIFA competitions, including the World Cup. As a result of this pressure, Infantino has abandoned his proposal.
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Infantino wrote on social media: "Hello everyone, I have written a letter to the FIFA vice presidents, members of the FIFA Council, and the heads of 211 member federations to announce that I am fully prepared to discuss reforms in FIFA."
Infantino's Proposals for Improving FIFA Governance
The FIFA President has put forward two proposals designed to ensure that FIFA's governance aligns with the challenges and opportunities present in the sport. He emphasized that reputable institutions should not wait for their systems to fail before considering improvements.
Infantino has asked the FIFA Council to conduct an independent and external review of FIFA's current governance framework for major strategic initiatives and to provide recommendations for its improvement. He also stressed that the FIFA Council should hold direct, structured, and time-limited consultations with confederations, member federations, and relevant stakeholders to discuss how to improve decision-making in FIFA.
In conclusion, Infantino noted that "FIFA equally belongs to the 211 member federations, and everyone has an equal voice."
Infantino will run for a fourth term in March next year, and the governing body of football has confirmed this matter. Meanwhile, pressures on him have increased due to recent controversies related to private investment plans in FIFA competitions last September.
A statement issued by FIFA, citing credible sources, points out that "Infantino announced in April that he would run again for the 2027 term." It also added: "Of course, nothing has changed. Infantino is standing for re-election."
FIFA has also accused UEFA of launching a "destructive campaign" against Infantino and his leadership, while legal disputes related to the investment plan continue. UEFA has filed legal documents in the United States and has sought the disclosure of documents and evidence from FIFA, while warning that it may take criminal action in Switzerland.
UEFA hopes to find a candidate to challenge Infantino in the upcoming elections. Any candidate needs the support of at least 106 federations out of FIFA's 211 members to enter the race.
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