Gianni Infantino has proposed an external review of FIFA’s governance and a consultation with football bodies on how major decisions are made, after concern over a now-withdrawn investment plan.
In a letter sent on Monday to FIFA Council members and the presidents of all 211 member associations, Infantino set out two proposals for consideration at a Council meeting next month. The letter, seen by BBC Sport, was circulated to FIFA’s full membership.
The first proposal asks the Council whether it wants to commission an independent external review of FIFA’s current governance framework for major strategic initiatives. That review would make recommendations on possible improvements to the framework.
The second would create a direct, structured and time-limited consultation involving confederations, member associations and relevant stakeholders. Its purpose would be to consider ways of strengthening FIFA’s decision-making.
Infantino said the consultation should seek specific proposals on earlier institutional involvement in major initiatives. It would also examine the respective roles of the FIFA president, the Bureau, the Council and the Congress, along with practical measures to improve transparency, participation and accountability.
The proposals follow pressure on FIFA after the investment plan entered the public domain before the organisation had completed its intended institutional process. The proposal had not been fully presented to the Council and member associations before it became public.
Infantino acknowledged in his letter that FIFA’s handling of the proposal had caused concern. He said it had always required approval from the Council and member associations, and confirmed that it had been withdrawn and would not proceed.
For football’s governing body, the dispute has put the focus on who gets a say when FIFA considers major commercial and strategic initiatives. Infantino’s proposed consultation would directly address that question by considering the responsibilities of its leading bodies and the point at which they should be involved.
Suggestions received by the October 15th Council meeting could be discussed at that gathering. FIFA would also consider submissions made later, although the deadline for the consultation has yet to be specified.
Any eventual changes to FIFA’s statutes would require approval from Congress.
Infantino also told member associations that their position on proposals or governance matters would not affect how FIFA treats them. He said FIFA’s development and solidarity programmes would continue under the existing rules.
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