FIFA president Infantino initiates consultation process on governance reform

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has officially withdrawn a controversial proposal to create a commercial entity involving private investors. In a letter sent to the FIFA Council and the leaders of the 211 member associations on September 21, 2026, Infantino proposed an immediate, structured, and time-bound consultation process regarding the future of the organization's governance and decision-making structures.

This shift in strategy follows intense external and internal pressure regarding the organization's financial management and potential private sector involvement. The initiative aims to foster a broader consensus among the 211 member associations and other key stakeholders, ensuring that future structural changes reflect a more inclusive approach. By withdrawing the original investment plan, Infantino has effectively redirected the focus toward a deliberative phase intended to enhance transparency and reinforce the federation's governance.

The current status involves the transition from a contested commercial project to a collaborative consultation cycle. Moving forward, the federation is expected to facilitate discussions with confederations and member associations to determine the necessary reforms, though specific dates for the conclusion of this process or subsequent structural decisions have not yet been announced.