FA demands FIFA documents ahead of October Council showdown with Infantino
The Football Association has demanded that FIFA release full documentation before the next FIFA Council meeting on 15 October, escalating its challenge to president Gianni Infantino over governance, commercial plans and disciplinary decision-making.
Key dates and issues
| Item | Date or figure | Context |
|---|---|---|
| FIFA Council meeting | 15 October | FA wants documents disclosed beforehand |
| FFE private stake proposal | 21% | Planned sale in a company controlling major commercial and ticketing rights |
| Election nomination deadline | 18 November | Deadline for a candidate to challenge Infantino |
FA chair Debbie Hewitt wrote to Infantino and FIFA secretary general Mattias Grafstrom, citing governance shortcomings and what she believes is a serious cultural failure inside world football’s governing body.
A central concern is the scrapped FIFA Forward Enterprise project. The proposal would have created a separate business to manage commercial and ticketing rights for FIFA’s biggest events, including the World Cup, while selling a 21% holding to a private investment group.
The English governing body is also seeking answers over Folarin Balogun’s eligibility during the World Cup. The United States forward, 25, was sent off for a challenge on Tarik Muharemovic in the 2-0 last-32 win over Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Balogun was expected to serve an automatic one-game suspension, but was cleared for the round-of-16 match against Belgium. FIFA pointed to a regulation allowing bans to be suspended, without providing a fuller explanation for the reversal.
The case became more politically charged after US President Donald Trump said he had called Infantino personally to seek a review. The FA had previously supported Infantino’s re-election bid, but the Balogun decision prompted concerns over outside influence on FIFA disciplinary processes.
Legal and election pressure grows
UEFA has begun criminal proceedings against Infantino in three US courts and is demanding the release of documents connected to the FFE plan. UEFA, CONCACAF and the Asian Football Confederation had already sent an open letter alleging that FIFA and its president had betrayed trust through deception.
FIFA has rejected those accusations, describing UEFA’s actions as a “smear campaign” against the organisation and its leadership.
England, Wales and Scotland are among the national associations that have now withdrawn support for Infantino’s next election campaign. The 56-year-old is expected to pursue a fourth term next March, with any rival needing to be nominated by 18 November.
What happens next: FIFA faces mounting calls to publish the requested material before the 15 October Council meeting. Despite losing backing in parts of Europe and North America, Infantino continues to hold strong support from the African, South American and Oceanian confederations.
