Premier League and European Leagues Demand Fundamental FIFA Reform Over Infantino's Exploitative Ideas
The Premier League, La Liga, Bundesliga and Serie A have jointly called for fundamental reform of FIFA, accusing president Gianni Infantino of actively promoting exploitative ideas. The four leagues demand a permanent stakeholder body, evidence-based decisions and separation of FIFA's regulatory and commercial roles.
- Who: Premier League, La Liga, Bundesliga and Serie A
- What: Joint call for fundamental FIFA governance reform
- Why: FIFA president Gianni Infantino accused of promoting exploitative ideas
- Key demand: Permanent stakeholder body, independent impact assessments, separation of powers
- Context: Follows collapsed FIFA Forward Enterprise scheme and Balogun suspension controversy
- Next: Infantino stands for re-election in March; opponents have until 18 November to find candidate
What was said
"fundamental governance reform is essential to restore clear constitutional boundaries within Fifa, including confidence that individual disciplinary matters remain demonstrably insulated from political interference."
"governance that concentrates unchecked regulatory, commercial and political power in a single office, while relegating affected stakeholders to mere advisory status, is not fit for purpose."
"Now is the moment to decide not only who will lead Fifa, but also how Fifa should be led."
The leagues stress that while the FIFA Forward Enterprise scheme was withdrawn, the conditions that led to it remain. They argue that FIFA's governance problem goes beyond one individual, questioning whether the president should wield such regulatory, commercial and political power without effective checks and balances.
The statement references "one of the biggest abuses of power in Fifa's history" and is known to allude to the cancelled suspension of United States forward Folarin Balogun at the World Cup after US President Donald Trump called Infantino asking for the striker's ban to be reviewed. FIFA has been approached for comment.
The numbers
- Four top European leagues: Premier League, La Liga, Bundesliga, Serie A
- Three confederations have called for Infantino to step down
- Infantino will stand for re-election in March; opponents have until 18 November to find an alternative candidate
- Two years ago, Europe's top leagues and Fifpro filed a legal complaint against FIFA with the European Commission
Why the Premier League is picking a fight with FIFA now
The Premier League's decision to join forces with La Liga, Bundesliga and Serie A marks a significant escalation in the ongoing battle over football governance. Richard Masters, chief executive of the Premier League, has previously been vocal about FIFA's approach, telling BBC Sport last month that Infantino had "pressed the self-destruct button" by delivering "a self-inflicted wound" over the FIFA Forward Enterprise scheme.
The joint statement is carefully timed. With Infantino standing for re-election in March and opponents having until 18 November to find an alternative candidate, the leagues are trying to shape the debate. They want candidates to support their proposals, stating: "Leagues have a crucial role to play in this process, and we want to ensure that the voice of every league is heard."
The core grievance is not just about one failed scheme but about the structure of FIFA itself. The leagues argue that the concentration of regulatory, commercial and political power in the president's office undermines trust. Their demands include a permanent body representing leagues, clubs and players from both men's and women's football with a meaningful role in decision-making, evidence-based decision-making with independent impact assessments, and robust institutional safeguards to separate FIFA's regulatory and commercial functions.
The reference to the cancelled suspension of Folarin Balogun is particularly pointed. The fact that a political phone call could influence a disciplinary matter is exactly the kind of political interference the leagues fear. They want ethics, financial oversight and electoral bodies that are genuinely independent of the FIFA administration and presidency.
This is not the first time Europe's top leagues have taken on FIFA. Two years ago, they and players' union Fifpro filed a legal complaint with the European Commission over what they claimed was an "abuse of dominance" regarding the expansion of the international fixture calendar and an alleged lack of consultation. FIFA denied that and accused some leagues of "hypocrisy" and acting "without consideration to everyone else in the world". The leagues now say their legal action "is a consequence of a flawed governance framework in which Fifa can use its regulatory authority to advance its own commercial objectives without accounting for the impact on the economic and social sustainability of national competitions that affect all stakeholders. This must change now for the sake of football".
Talking points
- Should the Premier League be focusing on domestic issues rather than FIFA governance, or is this a necessary fight for the future of the game?
- Will Infantino's re-election bid be damaged by this unprecedented joint statement from four major leagues?
- Can FIFA realistically implement fundamental reform without a complete overhaul of its leadership and constitution?
- Is the Balogun suspension controversy a sign that political interference in football is becoming normalised?
What happens next
The immediate focus is on the FIFA presidential election in March. Infantino has said he will stand for re-election, but opponents have until 18 November to find an alternative candidate. The four leagues want candidates to support their reform proposals, and they will be lobbying hard to ensure that the voice of every league is heard. If Infantino wins again, the pressure for change will only intensify, and further legal action could follow. The stakes are enormous: the future governance of world football and the relationship between FIFA and the leagues that provide its biggest stars.
Frequently asked questions
What are the Premier League's demands for FIFA reform?
The Premier League, alongside La Liga, Bundesliga and Serie A, wants a permanent body representing leagues, clubs and players with a meaningful role in FIFA's decision-making, evidence-based decision-making with independent impact assessments, and separation of FIFA's regulatory and commercial functions through robust institutional safeguards.
Why did the Premier League join the call for FIFA reform?
The Premier League says it is speaking out "because we understand how Fifa's relentless expansionism affects everyone". The joint statement also references FIFA president Gianni Infantino's "exploitative ideas" and the need to restore clear constitutional boundaries within FIFA.
When is the FIFA presidential election and who is standing?
Gianni Infantino has said he will stand for re-election in March. His opponents have until 18 November to find an alternative candidate.
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