FIFA president Gianni Infantino has proposed a structured consultation with the organisation’s 211 member associations as part of efforts to review and strengthen its decision making process.
In a letter sent to FIFA Council members and the heads of all member associations, Infantino said he would ask the Council to consider an independent external review of FIFA’s governance framework for major strategic initiatives. He also proposed direct discussions with confederations, member associations and other relevant stakeholders.
The proposed consultation would examine how major decisions are handled within FIFA, including the respective responsibilities of the president, Bureau, Council and Congress. It would also consider ways to improve transparency, participation and accountability.
Infantino wants initial proposals to be considered at the FIFA Council meeting scheduled for October 15. Any changes to FIFA’s statutes would still require approval through the appropriate FIFA Congress process.
The move comes after strong criticism surrounding the now abandoned FIFA Forward Enterprise proposal, which explored bringing private investment into a FIFA controlled commercial company linked to its major competitions.
The proposal was withdrawn in July after opposition from several football bodies and concerns over how the plan had been presented before FIFA’s formal consultation process was completed. Infantino has acknowledged that the early disclosure created concern and the impression that decisions had already been taken, although he maintained that it was only a proposal and had not been approved.
The controversy has increased pressure for changes to FIFA’s governance and decision making arrangements, with UEFA and other football authorities calling for greater transparency and involvement from member associations.
Infantino, who became FIFA president in 2016, has also confirmed his intention to continue leading the organisation. He is seeking another term in the presidential election scheduled for March 2027, with potential challengers yet to be formally confirmed.
He said the proposed review and consultation should allow FIFA members to present their views on how the organisation handles major strategic decisions, while stressing that every member association should have the opportunity to be heard.
