FIFA president proposes governance review following investment plan backlash

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has initiated a proposal for an independent external review of the governing body’s decision-making processes. In a letter sent to the FIFA Council and the presidents of its 211 member associations, Infantino suggested re-evaluating the governance framework regarding major strategic initiatives. This move aims to enhance transparency and clarify the roles of the President, Bureau, Council, and Congress in light of recent controversy.

The proposal follows the abandonment of a controversial plan to sell a 20% stake in FIFA's commercial rights, including the World Cup, to private investors. The project was canceled in July 2026 after facing significant opposition and boycott threats from major confederations, including UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation, and CONCACAF. Despite the project's cancellation, UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin recently stated that trust in the organization remains damaged.

Speaking at the Portugal Football Summit, Ceferin criticized the disregard for unity and transparency that led to the crisis. While he did not explicitly name Infantino, he emphasized that repairing the fractured relationship between FIFA and its member associations is a priority, warning that current governance failed to serve the interests of the wider sport.