Gianni Infantino says he is open to dialogue over FIFA reform
The New York Times • • sports
Key Points:
- FIFA president Gianni Infantino has proposed two reform plans for FIFA governance, including an independent review and a structured consultation with stakeholders, ahead of the FIFA Council meeting on October 15.
- Infantino emphasized that FIFA’s democratic processes and sporting authority “were never for sale,” addressing concerns raised by the abandoned FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) proposal involving a potential $4.2 billion stake sale to a U.S. investment fund.
- The FFE proposal was withdrawn before approval by the FIFA Council and member associations, with Infantino acknowledging that the leaked details caused concern and stressed the need for transparent and trusted institutional processes.
- Infantino is currently facing legal challenges, including UEFA accusing him of “criminal mismanagement,” while FIFA has accused UEFA of conducting a “smear campaign” against him.
- Despite calls for his resignation, Infantino plans to run for re-election as FIFA president in March and remains the sole candidate so far, with the nomination deadline set for November 18.
