The premier football leagues of England, Spain, Italy, and Germany have collectively demanded a comprehensive reform of FIFA, targeting the governing body’s administrative structure and decision-making processes. This joint call, issued on Friday, follows widespread criticism regarding the now-abandoned FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) project, which sought to bring private investment into men’s and women’s World Cup tournaments.
In a formal statement, the four leagues described the FFE initiative as a significant abuse of power within the history of the organization. They argue that FIFA requires fundamental governance changes to restore constitutional boundaries and ensure that disciplinary matters remain free from political interference. It is not about holding — or demanding — power to be held,” they wrote.
While FIFA President Gianni Infantino recently proposed a consultation with national federations to address governance concerns, the leagues stated that such surface-level adjustments are insufficient. They emphasized that the organization’s problems extend beyond the actions of a single individual, noting, “We are speaking up together, as founding members of European Leagues and the World Leagues Association, because we understand how FIFA’s relentless expansionism affects everyone.” However, steered away from putting all the blame on Infantino’s shoulders. “FIFA’s governance problem goes far beyond the role of one individual,” they said, the four leagues.
To address these systemic issues, the leagues have proposed the creation of a permanent representative body. This group would include national associations, leagues, clubs, and players from both men’s and women’s football to ensure they have a meaningful, informed role in FIFA’s decision-making.
The coalition also urged that FIFA be required to provide a clear rationale, independent evidence, and impact assessments for any major proposal before decisions are finalized. Furthermore, they advocate for a clear separation between FIFA’s commercial interests and its primary responsibility as the regulator and guardian of the sport.
Looking toward the future, the leagues are calling for prospective candidates for the upcoming FIFA presidential election to endorse these core principles within their first 100 days in office. The election is currently scheduled for March 18, 2027, with the deadline for submitting candidacies set for November 18. At present, Infantino is the only candidate to have entered the race.
The push for change follows a strong letter of protest sent in August by UEFA alongside the North American body CONCACAF and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), which questioned the current leadership’s approach to power. Despite this opposition, Infantino retains significant backing, notably from the 2034 World Cup hosts Saudi Arabia, as well as the African football governing body CAF and South America’s CONMEBOL.
