Embattled Gianni Infantino says he is open to talks over FIFA reform

FIFA president proposes ‘consultation’ with member federations to reform world football governing body’s decision-making processes.Published On 21 Sep 202621 Sep 2026FIFA President Gianni Infantino has proposed an outside review of how the governing body makes major decisions, ⁠acknowledging in a letter to members that its handling of a now-abandoned investment plan had caused outrage.“First, I will ask the Council whether it wishes to commission an independent external review of FIFA’s current governance framework for ⁠major strategic initiatives and recommend potential improvements,” Infantino wrote to the FIFA Council and all 211 member association presidents on Monday in a letter seen by the Reuters news agency.He also said he would propose consultations with confederations, member associations and other stakeholders on strengthening FIFA’s decision-making.The proposals would examine who has a say in major initiatives – including the roles of the president, bureau, ‌council and congress – and how to improve transparency and accountability.Infantino faced a fierce backlash over his proposal to sell a 20 percent stake in FIFA’s commercial rights, including the World Cup, to priva...