Debbie Hewitt demands Infantino answers over World Cup fund and Balogun ban
Football Association chair Debbie Hewitt has said Gianni Infantino cannot remain fit to lead FIFA unless he provides answers over the proposed World Cup investor vehicle and the suspended ban for United States forward Folarin Balogun.
Hewitt, also one of FIFA’s vice-presidents, confronted Infantino during Thursday’s FIFA Council meeting in Zurich, the first gathering since plans for the FIFA Forward Enterprise emerged. She said Council members left without responses to the specific information they had requested on either issue.
“The man has to answer those questions,” Hewitt said after the meeting, arguing that a failure to do so would make Infantino unfit for the presidency. She said members had been asked to submit their questions and expected the process to be handled transparently.
FFE documents still sought
Hewitt said the immediate minimum requirement was for FIFA to release the FFE papers. The proposed company was intended to control commercial operations linked to FIFA competitions, including the World Cup, with private investors offered a minority shareholding.
The proposal became public on July 28. Thrive, founded by Josh Kushner, the brother of President Donald Trump’s son-in-law, had been lined up as lead investor. The project was dropped on August 1 after opposition from three continental confederations.
Infantino apologised to the Council for not previously bringing the FFE proposal before it, Hewitt said, and told members he deeply regretted that omission. Hewitt said the apology did not change her overall position, although she noted a renewed commitment to provide the requested material.
She has already written to Infantino seeking documents connected to the venture. UEFA has separately made legal disclosure requests in the United States, which FIFA is contesting.
Balogun suspension also under scrutiny
Hewitt’s September letter is understood to have included questions over Balogun’s one-match suspension. The punishment was put on hold after US President Trump contacted Infantino about the case.
Infantino has maintained that he played no part in the outcome, insisting FIFA’s disciplinary committee made its decision independently. Hewitt said it was fair for him to seek written questions, but added that Council members had been given their chance to voice concerns in Zurich.
What happens next
Infantino must now respond to the Council’s submitted questions, including the demand for FFE documentation and clarification over the Balogun decision.
UEFA declared it had lost confidence in Infantino in August following the FFE controversy and has pledged to find a credible challenger for FIFA’s presidential election next March. Candidates must submit their nominations by November 18.
