Infantino proposes external review of Fifa governance

Fifa president Gianni Infantino has proposed an external review of the governance of world football's governing body and says he is open to reform.In a letter sent to Fifa council members, seen by BBC Sport and circulated to all of Fifa's member associations, Infantino tabled two reforms to be put to a meeting of the council next month.As well as asking members if they wanted an external review, Infantino also suggested a "consultation period" where reforms could be discussed."First, I will ask the council whether it wishes to commission an independent external review of Fifa's current governance framework for major strategic initiatives and recommend potential improvements," said Infantino in the letter."Second, I will propose that the council establish a direct, structured and time-limited consultation with confederations, member associations and relevant stakeholders on how Fifa's decision-making can be further strengthened."The consultation would invite specific proposals on earlier institutional involvement, the respective roles of the president, the bureau, the council and the congress, and practical ways to strengthen transparency, participation and accountability in major strategic initiatives."Infantino has come under increasing pressure over his aborted Fifa Forward Enterprise (FFE) proposal.His latest statement comes after Uefa and Concacaf - the confederations for Europe and North America, Central America and the Caribbean - demanded Fifa pays $10m to all 211 members from its cash reserves.FFE would have meant a new company being created to manage commercial and ticketing rights of all competitions, including World Cups, with 21% sold off to a private investment company.Earlier this month, Football Association chair Debbie Hewitt, a Fifa vice-president, told Infantino to release all documents relating to his controversial plan.The 56-year-old Swiss-Italian Fifa leader will stand for election for a fourth time in March 2027, with his opponents having until 18 November to find an alternative candidate.Last month, European football's governing body Uefa began preparing criminal legal proceedings against Infantino at courts in the US over the FFE plan, demanding the release of all documents.Fifa hit back and accused Uefa of a "smear campaign against it and its leadership" in a challenge to the litigation.