Associations criticize Infantino's FIFA governance initiatives

The football associations of Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden and Wales have questioned FIFA President Gianni Infantino's initiatives to review decision-making processes in the organization. In their view, these steps do not address deeper problems in FIFA's leadership, Korea Herald reports, citing Reuters.

In a letter sent on Monday to FIFA's 211 member associations, Infantino proposed an independent review of decision-making procedures and consultations on governance reforms. He also proposed consultations with confederations, national associations and other stakeholders on strengthening FIFA's decision-making process.

The letter was sent after criticism over a failed attempt to sell a 20% stake in FIFA's commercial operations, including rights related to the World Cup. The plan was abandoned in July due to opposition from UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation and CONCACAF, which said there had been insufficient consultations.

Reaction of football associations

German Football Association President Bernd Neuendorf, who is a member of the FIFA Council, called Infantino's letter an attempt to secure his re-election next year. According to him, the organization acknowledged the need for change, but Infantino should not lead the reform because he has lost trust.

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The Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB) said the proposals include individual elements it had previously demanded, but trust has not been restored. Last month, the KNVB proposed holding an international summit on renewing FIFA in Amsterdam and called for Infantino to be replaced by 2027.

Calls for leadership change

Swedish Football Association President Simon Åström positively assessed some of the initiatives but said they had come too late and that several measures should have been introduced earlier. He added that the letter had not changed Sweden's position on the need for new FIFA leadership.

Football Association of Wales Chief Executive Noel Mooney also stressed that the letter does not provide for reforming FIFA itself, but concerns strategic projects and initiatives. Infantino, meanwhile, said that associations' positions on proposals or governance issues would not affect FIFA's attitude toward them, and development and solidarity programs would continue under the current rules.

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