Archive · 22 Sep 2026
Infantino Proposes FIFA Governance Review After Investment Plan Backlash
FIFA is the organization that runs international football.
Its president, Gianni Infantino, wants FIFA members to discuss how important decisions should be made.
He also said FIFA could ask independent experts to review its governance system.
This comes after a plan to let private investors buy shares in a company connected to major football competitions was shelved.
The plan caused criticism because it became public before FIFA members had fully discussed it.
Infantino says FIFA would still have kept control over sporting decisions.
UEFA and some other football groups have criticized his leadership and called for stronger safeguards.
Infantino’s supporters include football organizations from Africa, South America and Saudi Arabia.
He plans to seek another term as FIFA president, although Victor Montagliani could challenge him.
Gianni Infantino proposed a structured, time-limited consultation with FIFA’s 211 member associations, confederations and other stakeholders.
He also indicated that FIFA’s Council could commission an external, independent assessment of its governance framework for major strategic initiatives.
The proposals follow backlash over the shelved FIFA Forward Enterprise plan to bring private investment into companies managing major football competitions.
Infantino said the project became public before FIFA’s institutional process was complete, while critics argued it exposed weaknesses in FIFA’s decision-making.
UEFA has urged Infantino to resign and is pursuing possible legal action, while Infantino plans to seek re-election and may face Victor Montagliani.
- Who
- FIFA president Gianni Infantino, FIFA’s 211 member associations, confederations, FIFA Council members and other stakeholders.
- What
- Infantino proposed a consultation on FIFA’s decision-making and said the Council could consider an independent governance assessment.
- When
- The proposal was made on Monday, with initial proposals due for consideration at the October 15 FIFA Council meeting; the presidential election is scheduled for March, although one article specifies March 2027.
- Where
- Within FIFA’s governing institutions and its network of member associations and confederations.
- Why
- To strengthen transparency, participation, accountability and the process for handling major strategic initiatives after backlash over the FIFA Forward Enterprise project.
Infantino and supporters
Critics and opponents
Investment project
Infantino and supporters
Infantino said the project did not surrender FIFA’s control over sporting decisions and that FIFA’s authority and independence were not for sale. He also said FIFA would continue seeking sustainable ways to increase resources for football.
Critics and opponents
Critics objected to the proposed private-investment structure and its early disclosure, which they said created concern and contributed to a rift among member associations.
Governance process
Infantino and supporters
Infantino said the project became public before FIFA’s planned institutional process was complete and proposed consultation and a possible independent review to improve decision-making.
Critics and opponents
UEFA, CONCACAF and the AFC criticized Infantino’s leadership and argued that football governance should not be centered on holding or demanding power.
Infantino’s leadership
Infantino and supporters
Saudi Arabia, CAF and CONMEBOL have supported Infantino, and he intends to seek another term as FIFA president.
Critics and opponents
UEFA has urged him to resign and has discussed or pursued possible legal action; Victor Montagliani is widely viewed as a potential challenger.
- Proposed consultation
- A direct, structured and time-limited consultation with confederations, member associations and relevant stakeholders.
- Possible independent review
- Infantino said the Council could consider commissioning an external, independent assessment of FIFA’s governance framework for major strategic initiatives.
- FIFA membership
- FIFA has 211 member associations.
- Investment project
- The shelved FIFA Forward Enterprise plan would have allowed private investors to acquire stakes in a company connected to the World Cup and other major competitions.
- Infantino’s position
- He said FIFA’s independence, democratic processes and sporting authority were never for sale and that FIFA would retain control over sporting decisions.
- Criticism and legal pressure
- UEFA has called for Infantino’s resignation and has discussed or pursued possible legal action over the project; reports differ on the precise status of that action.
- Election
- Infantino has confirmed he will seek re-election; he is currently the only declared candidate, while Victor Montagliani is viewed as a possible challenger.
