The English Premier League, Spain’s La Liga, Italy’s Serie A, and Germany’s Bundesliga jointly called for comprehensive FIFA reform on Friday, citing the need to address governance crises exacerbated by the shelved FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) initiative. In a statement released to AFP, the leagues emphasized the urgency of establishing clear constitutional boundaries to prevent political interference in disciplinary matters. 'Fundamental governance reform is essential,' the statement read, highlighting the leagues' role as founding members of European Leagues and the World Leagues Association. The appeal follows FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s recent proposal for a consultation with national federations to address governance issues, which the leagues criticized as insufficient. 'Surface-level changes are not enough,' they stated, describing the FFE project as 'one of the biggest abuses of power in FIFA’s history.'
The four leagues specifically called for the creation of a permanent governing body representing national associations, leagues, clubs, and players across men’s and women’s football. This body, they argued, should have a 'meaningful role in decision-making' and be informed of all major FIFA initiatives. They also urged that any significant proposals undergo independent assessment, with findings published in advance to evaluate impacts on stakeholders. Additionally, the leagues stressed the importance of safeguarding FIFA’s regulatory role from commercial activities, ensuring the organization remains a 'guardian of the game.' Their demands include selecting FIFA presidential candidates who commit to these principles within the first 100 days of their mandate. Infantino, the sole candidate for the March 18, 2027, election, faces growing pressure as UEFA, CONCACAF, and AFC previously condemned his leadership in August.
Despite the criticism, Infantino retains support from entities like Saudi Arabia, the African Football Confederation (CAF), and South American body CONMEBOL. Meanwhile, the German Football Association’s vice-president has publicly called for Infantino’s removal, and the Belgium FA has pledged not to support his re-election. The leagues’ statement avoided placing sole blame on Infantino, noting that 'FIFA’s governance problem goes far beyond the role of one individual.' However, they emphasized that reforms must address systemic issues, including the lack of transparency and stakeholder representation. The push for change comes as FIFA faces scrutiny over its handling of the 2030 World Cup final venue, with the organization yet to announce a decision.
The ongoing debate underscores deepening divisions within global football governance. While the four European leagues advocate for structural overhauls, conflicting interests persist, with some confederations backing Infantino’s leadership. The upcoming FIFA presidential election remains a focal point, with the leagues urging candidates to align with their reform agenda. As the crisis unfolds, the call for accountability and transparency continues to shape the future of international football governance, with implications for players, clubs, and fans worldwide.