Top European leagues demand stronger checks on FIFA governance

The Bundesliga, Premier League, La Liga and Serie A have called for major reforms to FIFA’s governance, arguing that football leagues and other affected stakeholders need a greater role in decisions made by the world governing body. In a letter released on Friday, the leagues said recent events had exposed a governance problem and called for stronger checks and balances. They said reforms should establish clearer constitutional boundaries and ensure that disciplinary matters were insulated from political interference.

The letter followed widespread opposition to FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s proposed FIFA Forward Enterprise, a commercial vehicle intended to organise FIFA tournaments while maximising profits. UEFA, CONCACAF and the Asian Football Confederation opposed the plan, which Infantino subsequently abandoned. The leagues said dropping the proposal did not resolve their concerns.

They also questioned whether an independent external review of FIFA governance and consultations announced by Infantino would go far enough. Their statement did not call for Infantino to resign and did not mention him by name. The leagues referred to the handling of the Folarin Balogun case as an example of concerns about political influence.

The United States striker’s one-match ban was suspended so he could play a World Cup last-16 match against Belgium in July, after US President Donald Trump said he had personally asked Infantino for a review. FIFA’s disciplinary committee had imposed the ban. The leagues also demanded meaningful participation in decisions such as expansions to the international match calendar and longer pauses in domestic competitions.

They argued that concentrating regulatory, commercial and political authority in one office while leaving affected parties with only advisory status was unsuitable. UEFA is seeking a candidate to challenge Infantino in the next presidential election, scheduled for March 18, 2027. FIFA has described UEFA’s legal action over the commercial plan as a smear campaign.

Infantino is due to discuss his proposals at a FIFA Council meeting in Zurich on October 15, while potential challengers must register by November 18.