European Leagues Demand Governance Overhaul at FIFA
A coalition of European soccer leagues has issued a stark warning to world governing body FIFA, demanding sweeping governance reforms as President Gianni Infantino faces mounting pressure over his handling of the sport’s flagship tournament.
The leagues’ statement, released ahead of the March elections, underscores a growing rift between the sport’s elite decision‑makers and the continental competitions that shape its calendar.
Central to the dispute is FIFA’s proposal to monetize the World Cup through the newly created FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), a plan that critics describe as both dangerous and disruptive to the traditional revenue model of the tournament.
In response, the leagues have threatened to block any expansion of the World Cup to 64 teams unless concrete reforms are enacted, positioning themselves as the gatekeepers of the competition’s future.
Figo’s Direct Challenge
Former Real Madrid star Luis Figo, who once served as a FIFA ambassador, has publicly called for Infantino’s resignation, accusing the president of debasing the highest office in world football.
Figo’s criticism adds a high‑profile voice to a chorus of dissent that includes UEFA, which has warned of a potential boycott should the FFE plan proceed without adequate safeguards.
The tension inside FIFA has already sparked internal upheaval, with senior adviser Carlos Cordeiro stepping down and long‑time figure Arsène Wenger voicing concerns over the organization’s direction.
Media reports have dubbed a recent meeting of Infantino with senior staff a ‘crisis summit,’ fueling speculation that the president’s grip on power may be slipping ahead of the decisive vote.
If the reforms are not forthcoming, the upcoming March elections could see a contested battle for the FIFA presidency, a scenario that would reverberate across the global soccer ecosystem.