Infantino must go by 2027 in FIFA overhaul, Dutch football body says

The Dutch football association (KNVB), a founding member of FIFA since 1904, has called for a complete overhaul of the global soccer governing body. In a statement, KNVB expressed its loss of confidence in FIFA President Gianni Infantino and proposed his replacement by 2027. Infantino faces a re-election in March 2024, but regional powers are considering a vote of no confidence following his controversial suggestion to sell a stake in FIFA events to private equity investors.

KNVB believes FIFA needs new leadership from 2027 onwards and supports the President in the recent election, but this support was not unconditional. They argue that too much power is concentrated around the FIFA president and there is insufficient separation between the President and the FIFA administration. The KNVB has outlined three reform priorities: better governance with stronger checks and balances, prioritizing human rights and sustainability in decision-making, and increasing international cooperation. FIFA should also aim to reinvest up to 90% of its distributable revenue in soccer development.

The KNVB wants to develop this new direction in collaboration with FIFA's 211 Member Associations and confederations from around the world. The association is part of UEFA, which has sought permission from a U.S. federal court to obtain testimony and documents from FIFA entities in Florida for a planned criminal complaint against Infantino in Switzerland.