FIFA has agreed to make key documents concerning President Gianni Infantino’s abandoned plan to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors available to members of its Council, amid growing pressure from UEFA over transparency and governance.
However, access to the documents will be restricted to in-person reviews at FIFA headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland, under strict confidentiality procedures.
The controversy centres on the proposed FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) initiative, which sought to attract private investment into the World Cup. The proposal was eventually withdrawn following concerns about its governance and decision-making process.
UEFA Demands Answers Over Abandoned FIFA Investment Proposal
European football governing body UEFA had given FIFA until November 2 to provide detailed explanations about the FFE proposal and respond to more than 100 questions concerning its financial arrangements and governance.
The demand followed a FIFA Council meeting at which President Gianni Infantino apologised for the abandoned investment plan but did not provide a comprehensive explanation of how the proposal was developed.
In a letter to FIFA Council members, Secretary General Mattias Grafstrom confirmed that selected documents would be made available for inspection, although the exact materials have not been disclosed.
FIFA also indicated that it was preparing a formal response to UEFA’s questions, describing the request as extensive.
Legal Dispute Adds Pressure on FIFA Leadership
The disagreement has been complicated by legal action initiated by UEFA in the United States in October, seeking access to relevant evidence and documents. The European body has also reportedly warned that it could consider filing a criminal complaint in Switzerland.
UEFA has questioned why the FIFA Council was not sufficiently involved in the decision-making process surrounding the FFE proposal, arguing that withdrawing the plan and promising future governance reforms do not address past decisions.
Other issues raised include FIFA funding for national football associations, the awarding of the FIFA Peace Prize to US President Donald Trump and disciplinary matters involving US striker Folarin Balogun.
FIFA, however, maintains that the investment proposal could not have proceeded without mandatory approval from the FIFA Council and a majority of member associations. It also says withdrawing the proposal did not expose the organisation to financial penalties.
The controversy comes as attention turns to the next FIFA presidential election, with the deadline for candidates to confirm their intention to challenge Infantino set for November 18.
The dispute has intensified calls for greater transparency, financial accountability and improved governance within world football’s governing body.
Source: newsthemegh.com