Gianni Infantino has called for a review of FIFA’s decision-making structure following the widespread backlash and eventual cancellation of the FIFA Forward Enterprise investment project.
The FIFA president has proposed a comprehensive examination of how the global football governing body makes key decisions, aiming to address governance issues that emerged in the wake of the failed controversial FIFA Forward Enterprise initiative.
In a letter sent to members of the FIFA Council and presidents of all 211 national associations, Infantino suggested that FIFA consider the need for an independent external audit of the governance system overseeing major strategic projects. He also recommended structured consultations involving the six continental confederations, national associations, and other stakeholders.
This process could evaluate the roles of the FIFA president, the Council Bureau, the FIFA Council (which comprises 37 members), and the Congress. It will also consider whether large-scale initiatives require broader discussion before implementation. Initial proposals are expected to be debated at the FIFA Council meeting scheduled for 15 October.
Infantino plans to seek re-election as FIFA president in March 2027. The upcoming 15 October Council meeting will be a key moment to determine whether the failure of the FFE project will prompt changes beyond merely abandoning a single commercial initiative, potentially impacting FIFA’s governance system itself.
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