Infantino proposes external review of FIFA governance after scrapped commercial rights plan

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has proposed an independent external review of the governing body's decision-making after withdrawing his contested commercial rights plan.

• In a letter to the FIFA Council and all 211 member associations, Infantino proposed two reforms for discussion at the October 15 council meeting.
• Infantino said the withdrawn plan to sell a 20 percent stake in FIFA's commercial rights, including the World Cup, was never a decision and will not proceed.
• The FFE plan was abandoned in July after opposition and boycott threats from confederations including UEFA and Concacaf.
• Last month UEFA began preparing criminal legal proceedings in US courts over the plan, which FIFA called a smear campaign.
• UEFA has demanded Infantino's resignation over the abandoned commercial rights plan.
• Infantino confirmed he intends to seek re-election as FIFA president in 2027.
• Infantino faces a Nov. 18 deadline for potential challenges to his candidacy for a fourth term in 2027.
• The review would focus on who votes on major initiatives, including the roles of the president, executive office, council, and general assembly, and improving transparency.
• The Asian Football Confederation joined UEFA and Concacaf in calling for changes in FIFA leadership.