The Premier League, La Liga, Serie A and Bundesliga have joined forces to demand major governance reforms at FIFA.
The four leading European leagues issued a joint statement on Friday. They said fundamental changes are needed to improve FIFA’s governance and strengthen confidence in its decision-making.
The statement comes amid continuing controversy over FIFA Forward Enterprise, or FFE. The proposed project would have involved private investment in FIFA’s commercial activities, including World Cup-related rights. FIFA later withdrew the proposal following strong opposition from football bodies.
European Leagues Demand Greater Transparency
The four leagues said FIFA needs clearer boundaries between its different responsibilities. They also called for greater protection against political interference in disciplinary matters.
The leagues said the effects of FIFA’s expanding activities reach clubs, players and domestic competitions across Europe and beyond.
They argued that major FIFA proposals should involve proper consultation before decisions are made. They also want independent assessments of the potential impact on players, clubs, leagues and supporters.
The leagues further called for FIFA to maintain a clear separation between its role as football’s regulator and its commercial activities.
FFE Controversy Drives Reform Debate
The FIFA Forward Enterprise proposal has become a major source of tension between FIFA and several football organisations.
FIFA had presented FFE as a way to create additional commercial value and increase investment in football development. The organisation said the proposal remained subject to consultation and approval.
However, the plan faced opposition from several football bodies. FIFA eventually withdrew the proposal.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has since opened the door to a review of the organisation’s governance. He has proposed an independent external assessment and consultations on how FIFA makes major decisions.
The four European leagues said a review must go beyond procedural changes. They want a stronger role for football stakeholders in FIFA’s decision-making process.
Leagues Want Permanent Stakeholder Body
The four leagues proposed creating a permanent body that would represent national associations, leagues, clubs and players from both men’s and women’s football.
They said the body should receive detailed information about major FIFA initiatives and have a meaningful role in decisions.
Under their proposal, major FIFA projects would require a clearly stated rationale, supporting evidence and an independent assessment before a decision.
The assessment would also consider the effect on different groups across football, including supporters.
FIFA Presidential Election Adds Pressure
The reform debate comes months before the next FIFA presidential election.
Infantino has already confirmed that he intends to seek another term. The election is scheduled for March 18, 2027, in Rabat, Morocco. Candidates challenging him must declare their candidacies by November 18.
The four leagues called on future presidential candidates to support their proposed governance principles during the first 100 days of the next presidential mandate.
The latest statement follows other criticism directed at FIFA’s leadership. UEFA, CONCACAF and the Asian Football Confederation have also raised concerns about FIFA’s governance and leadership.
At the same time, Infantino continues to have support from some football organisations. The debate therefore remains focused on how FIFA should be governed and how much influence its various stakeholders should have.
