Gianni Infantino Opens Dialogue on FIFA Reforms Amidst Job Security Battle

FIFA President Gianni Infantino is making his stance clear in his fight for his position, expressing openness to discussing reforms.

The FIFA leader, facing significant criticism, sent a letter to the 211 member associations on Monday. This correspondence, seen by AFP and The Athletic, proposes a 'consultation' with members to reform the decision-making processes within the struggling FIFA.

Infantino plans to suggest that the FIFA Council, convening next on October 15, should "organize a direct, structured, and time-limited consultation with confederations, member associations, and relevant stakeholders on how to further strengthen FIFA's decision-making processes." This consultation should solicit "concrete proposals on earlier involvement of institutions, on the respective roles of the President, the Bureau, the Council and the Congress, as well as on practical ways to enhance transparency, participation and accountability in major strategic initiatives."

Infantino recently failed in his attempt to sell shares in FIFA tournaments to private investors, some linked to US President Donald Trump. He reiterated in his clarification that "democratic processes, independence, and FIFA's sporting authority were never for sale. They are not for sale and never will be."

FIFA Presidential Election Timeline

The proposed FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) project "did not involve any relinquishment of FIFA's control or authority over sporting decisions," Infantino explained. "The proposal became public before the institutional process planned by FIFA was completed and before it could be fully presented to the Council and member associations."

He acknowledged that "this, without the full context, caused concern and gave the impression that decisions had already been made." However, he stated, "this was not the case. It remained a proposal, not a decision, and was always subject to the necessary approvals by the Council and member associations. It has now been withdrawn and will not be pursued."

Despite widespread criticism from the football world, the Swiss president is seeking another term in the March 2027 elections. UEFA, among others, is demanding Infantino's resignation and is preparing to file a criminal complaint against him in Switzerland. The European football body aims to push Infantino out before his intended re-election. If he is not removed, UEFA will almost certainly field a competing candidate.