Jeremy Wilson
Gianni Infantino, the FIFA president, has suggested a review of the world governing body’s decision-making and governance as he tries to gather support ahead of next year’s election.
In a letter addressed to the 211 member associations, Infantino acknowledged the backlash against the proposal to sell off stakes in FIFA competitions and set out a series of proposals that would formalise consultation with federations.
Despite being under intense pressure to stand down after scrapping the so-called FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) proposal, Infantino has confirmed that he will seek re-election next year.
The leaders of UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and Concacaf, which represents North, Central America and Caribbean football, accused Infantino of “deception” in an open letter last month, but it is unclear how many of their individual federations will vote for an alternative. Infantino has now written directly to the heads of national associations to propose a series of reforms.
“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,” he wrote, adding that he will also “propose that the [FIFA] 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 consultation would invite specific proposals on earlier institutional involvement, the respective roles of the President, the Bureau, the Council and the Congress, and practical ways to strengthen transparency, participation and accountability in major strategic initiatives.”
Infantino has asked for the initial proposals to be considered at the council meeting scheduled for October 15.
Infantino replaced Sepp Blatter as president of FIFA in 2016 but has faced calls to resign after proposals to create a commercial subsidiary to run its biggest events, such as the World Cup and Club World Cup, were leaked in July.
European football’s governing body UEFA responded by threatening to boycott FIFA competitions. It later suspended that threat, but has urged Infantino to resign and has taken legal action while calling for an investigation.
In his letter to members, Infantino said that the idea to sell a stake in the World Cup was only ever a proposal. “I recognise that, without the full context, this caused concern and created the impression that decisions had already been taken. They had not,” he wrote.
“It remained a proposal, not a decision, and was always subject to the necessary approvals of the council and the member associations. It has now been withdrawn and will not proceed.”
Infantino is so far the only candidate to have put his name forward for the election next March.
The Telegraph, London