FIFA President Infantino Offers to Restructure Decision-Making Processes

Gianni Infantino, President of the International Federation of Football Associations (FIFA), offered to initiate a consultation process with member federations in order to restructure the decision-making processes following increasing criticism of the management approach.

According to the news of Reuters agency, Infantino stated in the letter he sent to 211 member federations and the FIFA Council that he would submit to the FIFA Council the establishment of a direct, structured and time-limited consultation mechanism with confederations, member federations and relevant stakeholders.

The Swiss manager included the following statements in the letter:

“The consultation will include specific recommendations for earlier participation in institutional processes, delegation of duties to the President, Bureau, Council, and Congress, and concrete ways to strengthen transparency, participation, and accountability in major strategic initiatives.”

Infantino asked that the initial recommendations be discussed at the Council meeting scheduled for October 15.

Infantino, who also made a statement on his social media account, stated that he received positive feedback on the letter and drew attention to the importance of open communication.

Making evaluations during the Gulf Nations Cup in Saudi Arabia, Infantino shared his message: "We have a FIFA Council meeting next month, we will continue the dialogue on these important issues. A culture of listening and respecting each other should be created."

Referring to the skeptical approaches towards reform demands, Infantino stated that his aim was not to produce positive headlines and that he remained committed to taking steps for the benefit of football.

Following the plan, UEFA, the umbrella organization of European football, and CONCACAF, which includes the USA, Canada and Mexico, called for Infantino to resign.

UEFA, which later suspended its threat to boycott FIFA competitions, is preparing legal action against Infantino, accusing him of possible "abuse of power".

According to AFP, the English Football Federation also made an official application to Infantino last week, demanding all documents regarding the plan to attract private investors for the World Cup and details of the controversial decision to cancel the red card received by US forward Folarin Balogun in the summer tournament.

FIFA confirmed at the beginning of September that Infantino would be a candidate again in the presidential election to be held in March next year.

Infantino, who is currently the only candidate, is expected to be confronted by CONCACAF President Victor Montagliani.