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.

76th FIFA Congress – Plenary Session

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.

CAPE TOWN — September 21, 2026 — FIFA President Gianni Infantino has been invited to attend a two-day Confederation of African Football (CAF) Strategy Conference in Cape Verde next month, placing the FIFA chief at the centre of an important gathering of African football leaders as pressure builds around his leadership ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

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The conference is scheduled for October 7 and 8 and will bring together the presidents of CAF’s 54 member associations, along with zonal union leaders and members of the CAF Executive Committee. CAF says the meeting will focus on developing African football, strengthening competitions and building sustainable football structures across the continent.

Infantino is expected to attend the conference following an invitation from CAF President Patrice Motsepe. The gathering comes at a significant moment for the FIFA president, who has confirmed that he will seek another term in the FIFA election scheduled for March 2027 in Rabat, Morocco. No challenger has officially been announced, according to Reuters, although opposition to some aspects of Infantino’s leadership has grown within parts of the football community.

FBL-AFRICA-CAF

Dispute over FIFA investment proposal

Much of the recent controversy has centred on the now-abandoned FIFA Forward Enterprise proposal. The initiative envisaged selling up to a 20% stake in FIFA competitions, including the World Cup, to outside investors.

The proposal encountered opposition from several football confederations, including UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation and CONCACAF. FIFA subsequently acknowledged that mistakes had been made in the process and said the proposal would be reviewed.

UEFA and CONCACAF leaders have since called for greater scrutiny of FIFA’s finances and proposed that FIFA distribute at least $10 million to each of its 211 member associations during the next commercial cycle.

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Africa’s position

Africa remains an important constituency in FIFA’s presidential election, with CAF representing 54 of FIFA’s 211 member associations. In April, CAF member associations unanimously backed Infantino’s re-election bid for the 2027–2031 term.

CAF’s Executive Committee also endorsed a joint update from Infantino and FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström regarding the Forward Enterprise controversy in August.

The Cape Verde conference therefore gives Infantino an opportunity to engage directly with African football leaders while CAF continues discussions about the continent’s future development.

World Cup review to follow

The African strategy meeting will be followed on October 9 by a review of the 2026 FIFA World Cup involving African national-team coaches. The review will be led by Arsène Wenger, FIFA’s Chief of Global Football Development, and will examine areas including tactics, refereeing, logistics and lessons from the tournament.

With the 2027 FIFA presidential election approaching, the meetings in Cape Verde will attract attention not only because of their football-development agenda but also because of the wider debate over FIFA’s leadership, finances and governance.

For African football, the conference is expected to provide an opportunity to discuss how the continent can build on the strong performances of its teams at the 2026 World Cup and strengthen its influence within the global game.

Nairobi, Kenya — September 21, 2026: Kenya is facing an increasingly demanding countdown to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, with football authorities urging the East African co-hosts to accelerate preparations as the tournament approaches.

Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania are scheduled to jointly host the continental championship from June 19 to July 17, 2027, marking the return of AFCON to East Africa for the first time since 1976.

The latest concerns centre on the readiness of stadiums and supporting infrastructure. CAF President Patrice Motsepe, after inspecting preparations in Kenya, called for a heightened sense of urgency and said venues should be available for testing from January 2027.

Stadiums at the centre of preparations

Kenya’s flagship project is the 60,000-seat Talanta Stadium in Nairobi. CAF’s recent inspection included the stadium, training facilities, hotels, airport infrastructure and other facilities that will support the tournament.

Construction has progressed significantly, with recent work focusing on areas including seating, broadcasting systems, lighting and information-technology infrastructure.

The Raila Odinga International Stadium is also undergoing final preparations, with work extending beyond the main structure to ICT systems, broadcasting facilities and spectator amenities.

More than stadiums

The preparations extend beyond football grounds. CAF’s inspection programme has covered training venues, accommodation, airports, transportation, security, media and other tournament-support infrastructure across the three host countries.

Kenyan authorities have also been working on broadcast readiness. A joint stakeholder committee has inspected Talanta Stadium and reviewed the infrastructure required to deliver international television coverage during the competition.

The three host governments previously agreed to an accelerated delivery roadmap covering stadiums, training grounds, transport networks, airports and accommodation facilities, with readiness reviews forming part of the timetable.

A narrowing window

With approximately nine months remaining before the opening match, the timetable is becoming increasingly important. Motsepe has emphasised that facilities need to be tested well before the tournament so that any shortcomings can be identified and corrected.

CAF has nevertheless continued to express support for Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania. Following its September inspection programme, the organisation said it would continue working with the host countries to help ensure the required facilities and infrastructure are delivered.

For Kenya, the immediate challenge is therefore to turn construction progress into fully operational tournament facilities. The coming months will be crucial as contractors, government agencies, CAF officials and local organisers move from construction and rehabilitation toward testing, certification and event-readiness.

If the current schedule holds, East Africa will welcome the continent’s leading national teams next June. For Kenya, however, the countdown is no longer measured simply in months—it is increasingly being measured in deadlines for getting every part of the tournament operation ready.

Former England international footballer Raheem Sterling has pleaded guilty to dangerous driving following a single-vehicle crash involving his Lamborghini on the M3 motorway in Hampshire.

Sterling, 31, appeared at Basingstoke Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday and admitted dangerous driving as well as charges relating to the possession of nitrous oxide and failing to provide a specimen.

Crash on M3

The incident happened on May 28, 2026, when Sterling’s Lamborghini Urus crashed on the southbound M3 near the Minley Interchange.

Police said no other vehicles were involved and no injuries were reported. Sterling was subsequently charged after the crash.

The dangerous-driving charge covered his driving on several roads, including the M25, M3, A327 and Minley Road, before the collision.

Nitrous Oxide Charges

Sterling also admitted possessing six nitrous oxide canisters. The substance is classified as a Class C drug in the UK when possessed for wrongful inhalation.

He additionally pleaded guilty to failing to provide a specimen.

The court heard allegations about his driving before the crash, with witnesses describing erratic manoeuvres and sudden changes in speed.

Football Career

Sterling has enjoyed a distinguished career with Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea, while also spending time on loan at Arsenal and later playing for Dutch club Feyenoord.

He made 82 appearances for England and won four Premier League titles with Manchester City. Sterling is currently without a club following the expiry of his Feyenoord contract.

The court proceedings are expected to determine the consequences of his guilty pleas.