In the wake of mounting pressure and widespread criticism over the collapsed "FIFA Forward Enterprise" (FFE) project, FIFA President Gianni Infantino has signaled a willingness to embrace structural reforms and backed an independent evaluation of the organisation's governance.

Ahead of the FIFA Council’s upcoming meeting on Oct. 15, Infantino distributed a letter to all 211 member associations and FIFA Council representatives proposing the oversight measure.

"I will ask the Council whether it wishes to commission an external, independent assessment of FIFA's current governance framework for major strategic initiatives and to recommend potential improvements," Infantino stated in his letter, which was seen by The Associated Press.

"I will propose that the Council establish a direct, structured, and time-bound consultation with the confederations and member associations on how to further strengthen FIFA's decision-making processes," he added.

A leaked venture sparks backlash

The initiative at the heart of the controversy, FIFA Forward Enterprise, was designed to introduce private investors through stake sales in the World Cup and other major FIFA competitions.

However, premature leaks regarding the venture triggered severe pushback across the global football community and fractured key relationships. High-profile stakeholders, particularly within Europe's governing body UEFA, pulled their support for the FIFA president as details surfaced.

Addressing the controversy, Infantino acknowledged the fallout while maintaining that no final commitments had been made before the leaks.

"The proposal entered the public domain before FIFA's planned institutional process had been completed and before it could be presented in full to the Council and the member associations. I recognise that, without full context, this caused concern and created the impression that decisions had already been taken. They had not," Infantino said in the letter.

Rising legal scrutiny and future ambitions

The repercussions have extended beyond organizational pushback into potential legal action. Last month, UEFA initiated preparations for criminal filings in U.S. courts concerning the FFE concept, formally requesting the release of all associated documentation.

Despite the mounting pushback, Infantino maintained that FIFA remains focused on finding new pathways to boost its commercial growth and financial distribution.

"Withdrawing this proposal does not diminish our ambition or our responsibility to reinvest a greater share of the fruits of FIFA's success into football. We will continue to explore sustainable ways to increase FIFA's resources," Infantino added. "What changes is not the ambition, but the strength of the process."

The governance challenge comes at a sensitive moment for Infantino's presidency. With his campaign for a fourth term set for March 2027, potential challengers face a Nov. 18 deadline to submit official candidacies to run against the 56-year-old incumbent. (AP)