Infantino Proposes Independent FIFA Governance Review After FFE Backlash

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has proposed an independent external review of FIFA’s governance framework following the backlash over the now-abandoned FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) investment plan. In a letter to FIFA Council members and presidents of the organisation’s 211 member associations, Infantino said he would ask the Council to consider commissioning an independent assessment of how FIFA handles major strategic initiatives. He also proposed a structured consultation with FIFA's confederations, member associations and other stakeholders on possible improvements to the organisation's decision-making processes, including the respective roles of the FIFA president, Council, Bureau and Congress. The move follows criticism of the FFE proposal, which would have involved private investors acquiring a minority stake in a new company responsible for commercial and ticketing rights associated with FIFA competitions. The proposal was withdrawn after opposition from several football bodies. Infantino said the proposal had entered the public domain before FIFA's planned institutional process was completed, which he acknowledged had created concerns and the impression that decisions had already been made. He maintained that FIFA's sporting authority and democratic processes were not part of the proposed arrangement. FIFA's Council is scheduled to meet on October 15, 2026, when the proposed governance review and consultation could be considered. The development comes amid continuing calls from football organisations, including UEFA and FIFPRO, for greater transparency and an independent examination of the FFE process. Source: GistReel original report