Infantino proposes external review of Fifa governance

Fifa president Gianni Infantino has suggested an external review of the administration of the world football governing body and has expressed willingness to consider reforms. In a letter to Fifa council members, leaked to BBC Sport and shared with all member associations, Infantino presented two suggested reforms for a council meeting next month.

He requested if they desired an independent external review of Fifa's current governance structure for major strategic initiatives and potential enhancements. Additionally, Infantino proposes a consultation period for discussions on enhancing Fifa's decision-making processes. The review would involve gathering specific proposals on improving institutional involvement, the roles of the president, bureau, council, and congress, and practical methods to boost transparency, participation, and accountability in significant strategic initiatives.

Infantino's calls for reform come amid growing criticism over his abandoned Fifa Forward Enterprise (FFE) proposal. Uefa and Concacaf, representing Europe and North America, Central America, and the Caribbean, have demanded Fifa compensate $10m to its 211 member associations from its financial reserves. Earlier this month, the Football Association chair Debbie Hewitt, a Fifa vice-president, urged Infantino to release all documents related to the controversial plan.

Infantino, who will seek re-election for a fourth term in March 2027, faces possible criminal legal proceedings initiated by Uefa at US courts over the FFE proposal.