The English Premier League, Spain’s La Liga, Italy’s Serie A and Germany’s Bundesliga have called for fundamental governance reforms at FIFA, the world football governing body.
Gatekeepers News reports that the four major European leagues made the demand on Friday, days after FIFA president Gianni Infantino proposed consultations with national football associations on possible reforms to the organisation’s governance.
FIFA has faced renewed scrutiny following the disclosure of plans to establish a commercial entity, FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), which would have been open to private investors. The proposal has since been shelved.
“Fundamental governance reform is essential to restore clear constitutional boundaries within FIFA, including confidence that individual disciplinary matters remain demonstrably insulated from political interference,” the leagues said in a statement sent to AFP.
“We are speaking up together, as founding members of European Leagues and the World Leagues Association, because we understand how FIFA’s relentless expansionism affects everyone.”
The statement came shortly after Infantino, who has faced criticism over the FFE proposal and its potential involvement in investment in the men’s and women’s World Cups, called for “a consultation” of national federations on FIFA governance.
“The FIFA president has now acknowledged the need for reform, but it is not enough for surface-level, process changes to be explored in the aftermath of FFE,” the four leagues said.
They described the FFE proposal as “one of the biggest abuses of power in FIFA’s history”.
However, the leagues said FIFA’s governance challenges went beyond Infantino personally.
“FIFA’s governance problem goes far beyond the role of one individual,” they said.
Leagues propose new FIFA oversight body
The four leagues proposed establishing a permanent body representing national associations, leagues, clubs and players from both men’s and women’s football.
“This new body must be fully informed about new initiatives and have a meaningful role in FIFA’s decision-making process,” they said.
They also called for greater transparency before major FIFA decisions are taken.
“Any major FIFA proposal must begin with a clearly defined rationale, supporting evidence and an independent assessment, published in advance of any decision, covering players, clubs, leagues and supporters, and evaluating the impact on all stakeholders and the development of football,” they said.
The leagues further called for FIFA’s role “as regulator and guardian of the game” to be protected from its commercial activities.
They urged candidates seeking the FIFA presidency to endorse their proposed principles within the first 100 days of the next presidential mandate.
Infantino currently sole FIFA presidential candidate
The next FIFA presidential election is scheduled for March 18, 2027, with the deadline for submitting candidacies set for November 18.
Infantino is currently the only declared candidate.
In August, UEFA, CONCACAF and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) issued a strongly worded joint statement criticising aspects of FIFA’s leadership.
“Leadership in football is not a possession. It is not about holding — or demanding — power to be held,” they said.
Infantino, however, continues to have support from several major football organisations and countries.
Saudi Arabia, which will host the 2034 World Cup, backed him last month, while the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and South America’s CONMEBOL have also expressed support.
