FIFPRO Europe head calls for sweeping overhaul at FIFA
PARIS: FIFA is facing a crisis of confidence and needs sweeping governance reforms, the head of players’ union FIFPRO Europe said on Wednesday, as he raised concerns about the concentration of power within world soccer’s governing body.
FIFPRO Europe's chief has called for a major overhaul of FIFA's governance structure, citing a profound loss of trust among the sport's governing bodies. David Terrier, head of the union, contends FIFA is "trapped in a real war," with rifts growing between federations and confederations after Gianni Infantino's controversial proposal to sell commercial rights to the World Cup.
Infantino, aiming for re-election in March, has faced open rebellion from UEFA, AFC, and CONCACAF, who have accused him of misconduct and demanded his resignation. Terrier does not outright recommend Infantino's departure, stating the question is largely moot given the current climate. However, he emphasizes the urgent need for reforms, asserting that the concentration of power within FIFA is unsustainable.
He warns that without significant changes, football will be placed in a precarious position, echoing the failures that led to Sepp Blatter's downfall in 2015. FIFA has apologized for the mishandling of Infantino's proposal and reaffirmed its backing of the president, while insisting all actions complied with regulations. Terrier, however, argues this is the last chance to bring about genuine reforms, calling for a more distributed power structure and a president who is accountable yet not all-powerful.
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