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Infantino proposes FIFA consultation after backlash over investment plan
FIFA runs international football and has 211 member associations.
Its president, Gianni Infantino, wants to ask these groups how FIFA should make important decisions.
The proposed talks would look at who has authority and how FIFA can be more transparent and accountable.
The idea comes after criticism of a plan involving private investment in companies connected to major football tournaments.
That plan was shelved after strong opposition.
UEFA has called for Infantino to resign and has discussed possible legal action.
Other football organizations, including Saudi Arabia, CAF and CONMEBOL, have supported him.
Infantino plans to seek another term as FIFA president next March.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino proposed a time-limited consultation with the governing body’s 211 member associations and other stakeholders.
The consultation would examine FIFA’s decision-making structure, institutional roles, transparency, participation and accountability.
Infantino’s proposal follows backlash over a now-shelved plan to allow private investment in a commercial subsidiary managing major competitions.
UEFA has urged Infantino to resign and is preparing possible legal action, while CONCACAF, the AFC and UEFA previously criticized his leadership.
Infantino is seeking re-election next March and is currently the only declared candidate, although Victor Montagliani is viewed as a possible challenger.
- Who
- FIFA president Gianni Infantino, FIFA’s 211 member associations, confederations and other stakeholders.
- What
- Infantino proposed a direct, structured and time-limited consultation on reforming FIFA’s decision-making processes.
- Where
- Within FIFA’s governing institutions and its member associations and confederations.
- When
- The proposal was made on Monday, with initial proposals requested for consideration at a council meeting on October 15; FIFA’s presidential election is scheduled for next March.
- Why
- To strengthen transparency, participation and accountability and address concerns raised after the investment plan became public before FIFA’s institutional process was completed.
Infantino and supporters
Critics and opponents
Investment proposal
Infantino and supporters
Infantino said FIFA’s democratic processes, independence and sporting authority were never for sale, and that the plan would not have surrendered FIFA’s control over sporting decisions.
Critics and opponents
Critics objected to the proposed private investment structure, which triggered a backlash and led UEFA to threaten a boycott of FIFA competitions.
Decision-making process
Infantino and supporters
Infantino said the proposal became public before the planned institutional process was complete, creating the false impression that decisions had already been made; he now supports structured consultation.
Critics and opponents
UEFA, CONCACAF and the AFC argued that football leadership should not be about holding or demanding power, and pressed for stronger institutional safeguards.
Infantino’s leadership
Infantino and supporters
Saudi Arabia, CAF and CONMEBOL have supported Infantino, and he intends to stand for re-election.
Critics and opponents
UEFA has urged him to resign and is preparing possible legal action over alleged criminal mismanagement; Victor Montagliani may challenge him.
Key facts
- Proposed consultation
- A direct, structured and time-limited process involving FIFA’s confederations, member associations and relevant stakeholders.
- Membership
- FIFA has 211 member associations.
- Issues under review
- Institutional involvement, the roles of the president, bureau, council and congress, transparency, participation and accountability.
- Investment plan
- A now-shelved proposal would have allowed private investors to acquire stakes in a company created under the FIFA Forward Enterprise initiative.
- Criticism
- UEFA has urged Infantino to resign and has been preparing possible legal action over alleged criminal mismanagement.
- Election
- Infantino will seek re-election next March and is currently the only candidate.
- Potential challenger
- CONCACAF president Victor Montagliani is widely viewed as a likely challenger.
Quotes
Gianni Infantino
FIFA president
“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.”
wionews.com
“Major ideas must be developed, tested and communicated through clear and trusted institutions. That is a responsibility I take seriously.”
wionews.com
Sources
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