FIFA president Gianni Infantino said he has “never been more determined and committed” to doing “what is right for the game” after pledging to conduct an independent review of the organisation’s governance.
Infantino has faced major criticism and pressure, particularly from European football’s governing body UEFA, since plans for private investment in a commercial vehicle to run the World Cup and other FIFA competitions was first reported by The Times in July.
UEFA is seeking disclosure of documents linked to the private investor plan through filings in the U.S. federal courts, with a view to a possible criminal complaint being lodged in Switzerland if it is established that Infantino undervalued the commercial vehicle at $20 billion.
FIFA has described the content of UEFA’s legal applications as a “smear campaign” against it, but Infantino has responded by pledging reform of FIFA’s governance framework.
The Press Association understands that has done little to satisfy those demanding answers around the private investor plan, and about FIFA’s handling of the Folarin Balogun case.
The Swiss leader wrote on Instagram: “There must be a culture of dialogue, of listening to each other and respecting one another.
“This is not about generating positive headlines, it is about doing what is right for the game. I have never been more determined and committed in doing that.”
Football Association chair Debbie Hewitt, who is also a FIFA vice president and a member of the FIFA Council, has written to Infantino calling for the release of documents linked to the private investor plan and the Balogun case, and intends to challenge Infantino on those matters in person at the next FIFA Council meeting in Zurich on Oct. 15.
Infantino has also been accused of “woefully inadequate” levels of cooperation with a probe by democratic members of the United States House Judiciary Committee into his relationship with U.S. President Donald Trump.
A FIFA spokesperson said in response to that statement: “FIFA has had productive discussions with the House Staff. There has been no indication that they were anything other than pleased with our proactive engagement, and we look forward to addressing any of their remaining questions.”
Infantino sent his social media post calling for dialogue from Jeddah, where he was meeting Saudi dignitaries. The Saudi Arabian federation has emerged as a potential key ally for Infantino in his efforts to hold on to power and secure a fourth presidential term at next year’s election, with Qatar also behind him.
UEFA has pledged to identify a credible candidate to stand against him, with Nov. 18 the deadline for candidacies to be submitted.
