Infantino Proposes FIFA Decision-Making Process Review

ZURICH: (Sprots Desk) – FIFA President Gianni Infantino has proposed a review of the governing body’s decision-making procedures, calling for consultations with member associations, confederations and other stakeholders.

In a letter sent to FIFA’s 211 member associations, Infantino said he would ask the FIFA Council to establish a structured and time-bound consultation on ways to further strengthen the organisation’s decision-making process.

The proposed consultation would examine the involvement of football institutions at an earlier stage, as well as the respective responsibilities of the FIFA president, Bureau, Council and Congress. It would also consider measures to improve transparency, participation and accountability in major strategic decisions.

Infantino wants initial proposals from the consultation to be considered at the FIFA Council meeting scheduled for October 15.

The FIFA president has faced criticism since plans were announced in July to introduce private investment into a commercial subsidiary overseeing major FIFA events, including the men’s and women’s World Cups and the Club World Cup.

The proposal, developed under the FIFA Forward Enterprise initiative, would have allowed private investors to acquire stakes in a newly created company. Following significant opposition, FIFA shelved the plan.

UEFA had threatened to boycott FIFA competitions over the proposal before suspending the threat. European football’s governing body has also called for Infantino’s resignation and has been considering possible legal action over what it described as “criminal mismanagement.”

In his letter, Infantino defended the FIFA Forward Enterprise plan, insisting that FIFA’s independence, democratic processes and authority over sporting matters were never intended to be compromised.

He acknowledged that details of the proposal became public before the organisation’s internal consultation process had been completed, saying this created the impression that decisions had already been made.

Infantino said major initiatives should be developed and communicated through institutions that are clear and trusted, adding that he takes responsibility for ensuring that process is followed.

In August, UEFA, CONCACAF and the Asian Football Confederation issued a joint letter criticising Infantino’s leadership approach.

However, Infantino has also received backing from several football bodies, including Saudi Arabia, which will host the 2034 World Cup, as well as the Confederation of African Football and South American football’s governing body CONMEBOL.

FIFA confirmed earlier this month that Infantino will seek another term as president in next March’s election. He is currently the only officially declared candidate, although CONCACAF president Victor Montagliani has been mentioned as a potential challenger.

Candidates have until November 18 to submit their nominations for the election.