Gianni Infantino Opens Dialogue on FIFA Governance Reform

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has expressed openness to discussing governance reforms and decision-making processes within the world football organization. In a letter to the FIFA Council and presidents of 211 member associations, Infantino proposed consultations to explore potential changes to FIFA's structure. He emphasized that those favoring a specific model should have the chance to present their arguments.

Infantino also suggested an independent external review of FIFA's governance framework to recommend improvements to decision-making processes. This review could determine which bodies should hold authority over strategic decisions, such as dividing roles among the FIFA President, Bureau, Council, and Congress. Discussions may also involve making certain decisions requiring unanimous approval from the FIFA Bureau, or bringing them to the Congress and member associations directly.

Input from FIFA members prior to a key meeting on October 15 will be considered at that session, with additional input also under review. Should the dialogue lead to proposed amendments to FIFA's statutes, these changes would need approval from the FIFA Congress. This call for reform follows opposition to Infantino's plan to sell a 20 percent stake in FIFA's commercial rights to private investors, which was scrapped in July due to resistance and threats of boycott.

The proposal had been intended to raise funds for football development through the sale of a minority stake in a FIFA-controlled commercial entity. Infantino has since withdrawn the proposal and indicated it will not be pursued.

UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), and CONCACAF called for changes in FIFA's leadership. Infantino, scheduled to run for re-election as FIFA President in March 2027, stressed that member associations' positions on the proposal or governance issues would not affect how FIFA treats them.