Fifa president Gianni Infantino, who has led the organization since 2016, is signaling a shift in strategy by proposing an independent, external review of the governing body’s operational structure. In a recent communication addressed to members of the Fifa Council and national associations, Infantino suggested that this process would be tasked with recommending potential improvements to the current system. This proposal comes ahead of an upcoming Council meeting on 15 October, which marks the first gathering of the group since the recent internal crisis erupted.
Central to this potential reform is a consultation process aimed at strengthening the organization’s decision-making framework. Infantino highlighted that the review would explore ways to bolster transparency, increase participation, and ensure greater accountability regarding major strategic initiatives. He indicated that the discussions will involve confederations, member associations, and other relevant stakeholders. Infantino has explicitly stated that he remains committed to his leadership role and is confident in the future path for the organization.
The push for reform follows a significant backlash regarding the abandoned Fifa Forward Enterprise (FFE) plan. The proposal had suggested creating a new entity to manage commercial and ticketing rights for major competitions, including the World Cup, with plans to sell a 21% stake to private investors. While critics feared this would relinquish control, Infantino insisted that the project never threatened Fifa’s sporting authority. He acknowledged that the initiative entered the public sphere before institutional processes were complete, creating a misleading impression that decisions had already been finalized.
Infantino addressed his detractors by maintaining that democratic processes and independence are not for sale. Despite the collapse of the FFE project, he stated that his ambition to invest in football development remains unchanged. Currently, the Fifa leader is preparing to stand for a fourth term in March 2027, with rivals having until 18 November to submit alternative candidacies. The pressure remains high, however, as Uefa has initiated criminal legal proceedings in the United States concerning the FFE plan, demanding the disclosure of all related documentation—a move Fifa has dismissed as a smear campaign.
Beyond the legal maneuvering, prominent figures like Football Association chair and Fifa vice-president Debbie Hewitt have publicly demanded the full release of documents concerning the FFE. Critics are calling for more extensive structural changes, including term limits for the presidency, clearer separation between the executive administration and the president’s office, and a renewed emphasis on human rights and sustainability. Furthermore, Uefa and Concacaf have requested that Fifa distribute $10 million to each of its 211 member associations from existing cash reserves. The upcoming October meeting will serve as a critical test for whether these proposed reforms are sufficient to appease the growing coalition of voices demanding fundamental change at the top of world football. The report also notes that in what appears to be a conciliatory gesture, Infantino writes: “Over recent weeks, I have taken time to listen before writing to you”, and says the consultation will be with confederations, member associations and “relevant stakeholders”. The report also notes that without the full context, this caused concern and created the impression that decisions had already been taken, i recognise that. The report also notes that we will continue to explore sustainable ways to grow Fifa’s resources and expand development and solidarity support for every member association,” he adds in the letter. The report also notes that the progress we have made over the past decade gives us a strong foundation for the future. The report also notes that it also gives us the confidence to examine whether our governance remains suited to the scale and complexity of the decisions ahead.
