FIFA Boss Gianni Infantino offers governance reform after World Cup stake sale plan backfires

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has opened the door to major changes in how world football's governing body makes decisions after a controversial investment plan triggered a revolt among football chiefs.

In a letter to FIFA's 211 member associations and the FIFA Council, the football governing body’s head proposed an independent external review of its governance.

He said the proposed review would look at who should have the power to make major decisions and whether the roles of the FIFA president, Bureau, Council and Congress need to change.

It would also examine ways to improve transparency and accountability.

The development comes after the plan to sell World Cup stake to private investors collapsed in July after severe backlash from UEFA and several other member organisations.

The FIFA Forward Enterprise proposal would have allowed private investors to buy a 20% stake in FIFA's commercial rights, including rights linked to the World Cup, in an attempt to raise more money for football development.

It was abandoned by the organisation after UEFA threatened to boycott the global football showdown if FIFA moved forward with its plan.

The 56-year-old Swiss football administrator said the proposal became public before FIFA had completed its internal process, creating the impression that a decision had already been made.

He stressed that it had remained only a proposal and had now been withdrawn.

The FIFA president, however, isn't signalling that he plans to leave. Infantino said he remains committed to leading the organisation.

The first reform proposals could be discussed when the FIFA Council meets on October 15, 2026.