# Football Australia chair dismisses Fifa ructions as growing pains

> Football Australia chair says FIFA's recent issues are 'growing pains' not a crisis.
- Title: Football Australia chair dismisses Fifa ructions as growing…
- Summary: Football Australia chair says FIFA's recent issues are 'growing pains' not a crisis. Football Australia chair Anter Isaac says FIFA's current challenges are…
- Keywords: football australia, fifa, gianni infantino, fifa presidential election, fifa forward enterprise, asian football confederation, sports, Football, Australia, chair, dismisses, ructions
- Source: the Guardian — https://theguardian.com/sport/2026/oct/20/football-australia-chair-anter-isaac-dismisses-recent-fifa-complaints
- Published: 2026-10-20T04:40:49+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: football australia, fifa, gianni infantino, fifa presidential election, fifa forward enterprise, asian football confederation, sports
## Football Australia chair Anter Isaac
Anter Isaac, Football Australia's chair, says it's premature to discuss backing FIFA president Gianni Infantino in upcoming elections.

> We can look at it and be unsophisticated and say, what a mess
## Fifa's recent challenges
Fifa faces criticism over World Cup privatisation push led by Infantino, with growing support from Asia, Africa and South America.

> The Swiss lawyer now enjoys backing from South America, Africa and growing chunks of Asia
## Fifa's revenue growth
Fifa's revenues have exploded in recent World Cup cycles, but systems and processes lag behind.

> Fifa’s revenues have exploded in recent World Cup cycles
## Isaac's view on process
Isaac says criticism of FIFA is about process, not intentions, with everyone wanting the best for football.

> Everyone involved in football really does want that, right?
## Asian confederation meeting
Asian Football Confederation congress meets in Tokyo this week, discussing FIFA's leadership without formal agenda.

> Fifa’s leadership and governance do not form part of the formal meeting agenda
## Fifa's next steps
Fifa must explain proposed sale of 20% commercial rights under FFE by December 16, with Infantino refusing to answer questions directly.

> Infantino listened to questions there, but declined to provide comprehensive answers
## Key takeaway

Football Australia chair Anter Isaac says FIFA's current challenges are natural adjustments rather than a crisis needing immediate leadership changes.