The Royal Netherlands Football Association (KNVB) has issued a formal call for a comprehensive overhaul of FIFA, asserting that President Gianni Infantino must be replaced by 2027. As one of the original founding members of the global governing body in 1904, the KNVB released a stern statement on Sunday declaring that it no longer maintains confidence in the current leadership.
While the Dutch association previously supported Infantino during his most recent election, they clarified that this backing was never unconditional. The organization is now advocating for a structural transformation rather than a simple change at the top, emphasizing that the current concentration of power within the presidency is unsustainable.
To facilitate this transition, the KNVB has proposed an “International Summit on the Future of FIFA.” They have extended invitations to football associations and confederations worldwide to participate in discussions aimed at defining the future identity of the organization. The Dutch body stressed that this initiative should not be viewed as a strictly European agenda, but rather a collaborative effort involving all 211 member associations.
A primary concern for the KNVB is the lack of separation between the FIFA president and the administrative branch. They have proposed a governance shift where the secretary-general assumes a leading role in operations, while the president serves primarily as a global representative. Furthermore, the association is pushing for a mandate to reinvest up to 90 percent of distributable revenue directly into football development programs.
The reform agenda outlined by the KNVB focuses on three core pillars: implementing robust checks and balances, prioritizing human rights and sustainability in decision-making, and fostering stronger international cooperation. These demands follow broader concerns among regional bodies regarding Infantino’s tenure, including his previously aborted proposal to sell stakes in FIFA events to private equity investors.
Although Infantino is expected to seek re-election in March, he faces mounting pressure from various quarters. Notably, the KNVB is a member of UEFA, which has already petitioned a United States federal court to secure documents and testimony from FIFA entities in Florida. This evidence is intended for use in a planned criminal complaint against the president in Switzerland.
Despite the gravity of these proposals, FIFA has not yet provided a response to the KNVB’s statement or the suggested summit. Infantino, meanwhile, recently stated that the organization’s primary objective is to bridge the financial gap between its wealthiest members and those with limited resources.
The KNVB remains firm in its stance that the current governance model is flawed. By calling for a congress-led decision-making process under the supervision of the FIFA council, the Dutch association hopes to ensure that the future of the sport is determined by a collective, transparent, and accountable structure. The report also notes that we believe FIFA needs new leadership from 2027 onwards,” it said in the statement.
