Infantino Pledges Independent Review of FIFA Governance Amid Deal Pressure
Gianni Infantino has promised an independent review of FIFA’s governance, insisting he remains fully committed to acting in football’s best interests as pressure mounts over a proposed private-investment deal and other unresolved issues.
Key dates and disputes
| Item | Date or figure | Context |
|---|---|---|
| FIFA Council meeting | October 15 | Debbie Hewitt plans to question Infantino in Zurich. |
| Candidate deadline | November 18 | Deadline to enter the next FIFA presidential election. |
| Commercial vehicle valuation | $20 billion | Figure central to UEFA’s legal challenge over the investor proposal. |
The FIFA president said the organisation needed a culture based on discussion, listening and mutual respect. Writing on social media from Jeddah, Infantino said the issue was not about favourable publicity but making the correct decisions for the sport.
His pledge follows sustained criticism of plans to bring private money into a commercial entity overseeing the World Cup and other FIFA tournaments. The proposal first emerged in July and has drawn particularly fierce opposition from UEFA.
UEFA is pursuing documents connected to the investment project through applications in US federal court. It is assessing whether a criminal complaint could be made in Switzerland if evidence shows the commercial vehicle was valued below $20 billion.
FIFA has dismissed UEFA’s court filings as an attempted smear operation. But the proposed governance review has not eased demands for disclosure surrounding the investment structure or FIFA’s handling of the Folarin Balogun matter.
Debbie Hewitt, the Football Association chair, FIFA vice-president and FIFA Council member, has written to Infantino seeking the release of material on both subjects. She intends to raise them directly when the Council meets in Zurich on October 15.
US inquiry adds to scrutiny
Infantino has also been criticised by Democratic members of the US House Judiciary Committee, who described FIFA’s cooperation with their investigation into his relationship with US President Donald Trump as woefully insufficient.
FIFA said it had held constructive talks with House staff and had received no suggestion that its engagement was anything other than proactive. The governing body said it was ready to answer any outstanding questions.
Infantino delivered his message from Saudi Arabia while meeting senior figures in Jeddah. Saudi Arabia is viewed as a potentially important backer as he seeks to retain office and win a fourth term at next year’s presidential vote, with Qatar also supporting him.
UEFA has said it will work to find a credible challenger. Anyone seeking to oppose Infantino must submit their candidacy by November 18.
