FIFA President Gianni Infantino has proposed an independent external review of the governing body's decision-making processes for major strategic initiatives. This comes after a backlash over a now-abandoned plan to sell a 20% stake in FIFA's commercial rights, including the World Cup, to private investors.
FIFA's governance structure and decision-making processes are under scrutiny following a controversial abandoned investment plan, potentially impacting future strategic initiatives and the distribution of funds for football development.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has proposed an independent external review of the governing body's decision-making processes for major strategic initiatives, acknowledging that its handling of a now-abandoned investment plan had caused concern. In a letter to the FIFA Council and member associations, Infantino stated he would ask the Council if it wished to commission the review, which would recommend potential improvements. He also plans to consult with confederations, member associations, and other stakeholders on strengthening FIFA's decision-making, examining the roles of the president, Bureau, Council, and Congress, and enhancing transparency and accountability.
Infantino faced significant backlash and opposition, including boycott threats, over his earlier proposal to sell a 20% stake in FIFA's commercial rights, which included the World Cup, to private investors. This plan was abandoned in July after significant opposition. UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation, and CONCACAF subsequently called for changes to FIFA's leadership.
Infantino explained that the abandoned proposal aimed to explore whether selling a minority stake in a FIFA-controlled commercial company could generate more funds for football development, emphasizing it would not have involved relinquishing control over sporting decisions. He recognized that the proposal became public without full context, creating the impression that decisions had already been made, which he denied, stating it was always subject to necessary approvals and has now been withdrawn.
He also noted differing views on who should decide major strategic questions, with some favoring unanimous agreement in the Bureau and others preferring direct submission to Congress and member associations. Infantino stated his role was not to pre-judge this discussion, and that suggestions received by the October 15 Council meeting could be discussed. He assured member associations that their positions on proposals or governance matters would not affect their treatment by FIFA's development and solidarity programs.
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