FIFA president Gianni Infantino has proposed an independent review of how the organization makes major strategic decisions. He made the proposal in a letter sent to all member association presidents and the FIFA Council. The move comes after widespread backlash over a previous plan to sell a 20% stake in a company controlling FIFA's commercial rights.
That proposal was abandoned after strong opposition from UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation and CONCACAF. Infantino said the earlier idea had explored whether selling a minority share in a FIFA-controlled company could raise more funds for football development. He emphasized that the plan would not have meant giving up control over sporting decisions.
The proposal had been made public before it could be fully presented to the Council and member associations. He admitted this led to confusion and gave the impression that decisions were already finalized. Infantino stated that democratic processes, independence, and sporting authority were never for sale.
He also said the progress made in recent years provides a strong base for future reforms. The letter noted differing opinions on who should make key strategic decisions within FIFA. Some suggested requiring unanimous agreement in the Bureau, while others preferred putting such matters directly to Congress and member associations.
Infantino declined to take a stance on which model might be best. He said those who support a particular approach should be allowed to present their case clearly. Suggestions for changes would be discussed at the upcoming Council meeting on October 15.
Any later submissions would also be considered before a final deadline is set. Changes to FIFA’s statutes would require approval from the Congress. Infantino also assured that member associations’ positions on governance issues would not affect their treatment by FIFA.
He added that development and solidarity programs would continue under current rules regardless of any proposals. Asian Football Confederation president Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa also wrote to FIFA leaders about the distribution of the organization’s financial reserves. His letter supported calls for FIFA to distribute more money directly to its 211 member associations.
Sheikh Salman joined UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin and CONCACAF president Victor Montagliani in calling for about $2.1 billion to be distributed. That would amount to roughly $10 million for each member association. The proposal is expected to be discussed at the October 15 FIFA Council meeting in Zurich.
The council is set to meet in October, where these governance proposals will likely be debated. Infantino has faced increasing pressure since the failed attempt to sell commercial rights to private investors. FIFA has also said a separate review of the abandoned FIFA Forward Enterprise proposal will be presented to the Council.
The situation underscores ongoing tensions within FIFA over how decisions are made and who holds authority.