FIFA President Gianni Infantino has proposed a formal consultation with the organisation’s 211 member associations as part of an effort to review and strengthen its decision-making process.
In a letter to FIFA’s member federations seen by AFP, Infantino said the consultation would involve confederations, member associations and other relevant stakeholders.
“I will propose that the Council establish a direct, structured and time-limited consultation with confederations, Member Associations and relevant stakeholders on how FIFA’s decision-making can be further strengthened,” the 56-year-old Swiss wrote.
The proposed process is expected to examine how major decisions are made within the governing body, including the responsibilities of the president, Bureau, Council and Congress.
Infantino also called for proposals aimed at improving transparency, participation and accountability in major strategic initiatives.
He asked that initial proposals from the consultation be considered at the FIFA Council meeting scheduled for October 15.
The move comes after Infantino faced significant criticism over a plan to introduce private investment into the organisation’s flagship competitions, including the men’s and women’s World Cups.
The proposal, announced in late July, involved the creation of a commercial subsidiary under the FIFA Forward Enterprise initiative through which private investors could acquire stakes in a company responsible for operating major FIFA events, including the World Cup and Club World Cup.
The plan was met with strong opposition and was subsequently shelved.
European football governing body UEFA had threatened to boycott FIFA competitions over the proposals. Although that threat was later suspended, UEFA has continued to call for Infantino’s resignation and has been preparing possible legal action over allegations of “criminal mismanagement”.
Infantino, who succeeded Sepp Blatter as FIFA president in 2016, is seeking another term in office. FIFA confirmed earlier in September that he would contest the presidential election scheduled for March next year.
He is currently the only officially declared candidate. However, CONCACAF president Victor Montagliani has been widely reported as a potential challenger.
The proposed consultation would therefore come at a significant point for FIFA, with the organisation facing questions over governance, transparency and the process through which major strategic decisions are reached.
