Global players' union Fifpro has joined calls for an independent review of Fifa's governance, following widespread criticism of the abandoned World Cup private investment plan. The union, along with Fifpro Europe, backed the demand on Monday, stating it is crucial "so that no single office can act unilaterally again."
The controversy centres on Fifa president Gianni Infantino's management of the Fifa Forward Enterprise (FFE) proposal. This scheme would have seen private investors acquire a 20 per cent stake in a business managing commercial operations for Fifa events, including the men’s and women’s World Cups.
The project was dropped after three continental confederations, including European governing body Uefa, rejected it. Uefa had threatened to boycott Fifa tournaments unless the plan was scrapped and assurances were given that no similar attempt would recur. On August 27, Uefa withdrew its boycott threat but confirmed it was working to field an alternative candidate against Infantino for the presidency at next year’s Congress, citing a "lost confidence" in him.
Fifpro also requested the formal inclusion of player, club, and league representatives within the Fifa Council’s decision-making structure. Fifa had committed to reviewing the FFE process on August 5, though it did not specify who would undertake the task.