Gianni Infantino proposes an external evaluation of FIFA’s decision-making process. The president of the International Federation of Association Football, in a letter to 211 member associations — proposes holding a consultation on reforming decision-making procedures. In doing so, he officially withdrew the investment proposal, noting that it: “has now been withdrawn and will not move forward.”

In the letter made public by Reuters, Infantino acknowledges that the investment plan raised concerns and was therefore abandoned. At the same time, he stated that he would propose consultations with the confederations, member federations, and all stakeholders to strengthen FIFA’s decision-making process.

Among other things, he states in his letter that: “I will ask the Council to consider whether it wishes to commission an independent external evaluation of FIFA’s existing governance framework for major strategic initiatives and tosuggest possible improvements.” The proposals will examine who has a say in key initiatives, including the respective roles of the president, the Executive Committee, the Council, and the Congress, as well as ways to improve transparency and accountability.

The president of the World Federation had proposed selling 20% of its commercial rights, including those for the World Cup, to private entities. However, following widespread backlash, the plan was abandoned. According to him, the aim was to generate more funds for the development of soccer, and it would not have resulted in a loss of control over sporting decisions.

The letter notes that the proposal was made public before it had been fully presented to the Council and the member federations, and emphasizes, among other things:

“I acknowledge that, without the full context, this caused concern and created the impression that decisions had already been made. No decisions had been made. It remained a proposal, not a decision, and was always subject to the necessary approvals by the Council and the member federations. It has now been withdrawn and will not move forward. My role is not to prejudge this discussion. Those who support a specific model should have the opportunity to clearly present their position.”

The FIFA president also noted that the positions of member associations regarding proposals or governance issues will not influence how FIFA itself addresses them, while the federation’s development and solidarity programs will continue in accordance with existing rules. “The treatment of any federation will not depend on its position regarding any proposal or institutional issue,” he wrote, concluding: “I remain fully committed to FIFA’s leadership and have confidence in what we can achieve together.”

*photo source: AP