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Infantino says he is open to talks over FIFA reform
On Monday, FIFA President Gianni Infantino proposed an independent external review of FIFA's governance framework, writing to the FIFA Council and all 211 member association presidents to recommend potential improvements for major strategic initiatives.
This follows backlash regarding a proposal to sell a 20% stake in FIFA's commercial rights, including the World Cup, to private investors; the plan was abandoned in July after opposition from UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation, and CONCACAF.
Addressing the backlash, Infantino wrote, "I recognise that, without the full context, this caused concern and created the impression that decisions had already been taken." He clarified the proposal remained subject to necessary approvals.
Infantino is soliciting feedback on whether the Bureau or Congress should decide strategic questions, stating, "My role is not to pre-judge that discussion. Those who support a particular model should have the opportunity to set out their case clearly."
Suggestions received by the October 15 Council meeting will be discussed, with further submissions considered later. Any changes to FIFA's statutes require Congress approval, and Infantino promised no association's treatment will depend on its position on institutional matters.
This movement of the football pattern is a new attempt to close the serious crisis that opened with the revelation of FIFA's frustrated project of creating a commercial society open to private investors
FIFA President Gianni Infantino responds in a letter to the 211 member associations of FIFA to the criticism of his leadership style. However, he excludes a personal retreat.