Infantino Says He Is Open to Talks Over FIFA Reform

By Angel No Lie | KPD Online | September 22, 2026

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has signalled that he is willing to discuss changes to the governance of world football’s governing body, proposing an independent review of FIFA’s decision-making processes following the collapse of a controversial private-investment plan.

In a letter sent to the FIFA Council and presidents of all 211 member associations, Infantino said he would ask the Council to consider commissioning an independent external review of FIFA’s governance framework for major strategic initiatives. He also proposed structured consultations with continental confederations, member associations and other stakeholders.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has signalled that he is willing to discuss changes to the governance of world football’s governing body, proposing an independent review of FIFA’s decision-making processes following the collapse of a controversial private-investment plan.

In a letter sent to the FIFA Council and presidents of all 211 member associations, Infantino said he would ask the Council to consider commissioning an independent external review of FIFA’s governance framework for major strategic initiatives. He also proposed structured consultations with continental confederations, member associations and other stakeholders.

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Proposed governance review

Infantino’s proposals would examine how major strategic decisions are made within FIFA, including the respective responsibilities of the president, the Bureau, the Council and the FIFA Congress.

The review could also consider measures aimed at strengthening transparency, accountability and consultation before major initiatives are advanced. Infantino said proposals submitted ahead of the FIFA Council meeting scheduled for October 15 could be considered at that meeting, with any resulting changes to FIFA’s statutes ultimately requiring approval through the organisation’s established process.

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The investment plan that triggered the dispute

The move comes after the withdrawal of the FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) proposal, which envisaged bringing private investment into FIFA’s commercial rights, including rights connected to the World Cup and other competitions.

The proposal became public before FIFA’s internal process had been completed, according to Infantino. He acknowledged that the early disclosure created concern and the impression that decisions had already been made, while maintaining that the proposal had remained subject to approval by FIFA’s governing bodies.

The plan was ultimately abandoned in July following opposition from several football organisations. UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation and CONCACAF subsequently called for changes to FIFA’s leadership and decision-making arrangements.

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Calls for greater consultation

The controversy has intensified debate over how much authority should be exercised by FIFA’s leadership when developing major commercial or strategic initiatives.

Infantino’s latest proposal specifically invites discussion about whether significant decisions should require broader agreement within FIFA’s governing structure. His letter referenced differing proposals, including requiring unanimous support within the Bureau for major strategic matters or giving the FIFA Congress and the 211 member associations a more direct role.

The FIFA president said the different approaches should be examined according to their implications for representation, accountability, consensus and FIFA’s ability to make decisions.

German FA challenges Infantino’s position

Not all FIFA officials and national associations have welcomed the initiative.

German Football Association President Bernd Neuendorf, who is also a FIFA Council member, described Infantino’s letter as an attempt to strengthen his position ahead of the next presidential election. Neuendorf said FIFA had recognised that changes were necessary but argued that Infantino should not lead the reform process. These are Neuendorf’s stated views, rather than an established finding about Infantino’s motives.

The dispute comes as Infantino prepares to seek another term as FIFA president. The next presidential election is scheduled for March 2027 in Rabat, while potential challengers have until November 18 to enter the race, according to reporting by Reuters and Sky News.

Pressure extends beyond governance

The disagreement over FIFA’s governance has also been accompanied by financial discussions.

UEFA and CONCACAF have asked FIFA to consider distributing at least $10 million to each of its 211 member associations from FIFA’s reserves. Their proposal came after the collapse of the private-investment initiative and adds another dimension to the debate over how FIFA should use its financial resources.

For now, Infantino’s proposal does not amount to a completed reform programme. The next significant step will be the FIFA Council’s consideration of the proposed independent review and consultation process, with any formal changes requiring further approval under FIFA’s governance procedures.