Infantino Proposes Structured Consultation on FIFA Governance Reform Ahead of Oct 15 Council Meeting

FIFA president Gianni Infantino wrote to the 211 member associations proposing that the FIFA Council establish a 'direct, structured and time-limited consultation with confederations, Member Associations and relevant stakeholders on how FIFA's decision-making can be further strengthened,' inviting proposals on the roles of the President, Bureau, Council and Congress and on transparency and accountability in major strategic initiatives. He also proposed commissioning an independent external review of FIFA's governance framework for major strategic initiatives. Infantino said the abandoned FIFA Forward Enterprise plan 'caused concern and created the impression that decisions had already been taken. They had not,' insisting 'FIFA's democratic processes, independence and sporting authority were never for sale' and that 'major ideas must be developed, tested and communicated through clear and trusted institutions.' Initial proposals are due for review at the Oct 15 FIFA Council meeting in Zurich, with any statutory changes requiring Congress approval.