# Infantino faces pressure over Fifa review scope

> Council members demand the review include past controversies, not just future governance changes.
- Title: Infantino faces pressure over Fifa review scope · the Guardian
- Summary: Council members demand the review include past controversies, not just future governance changes. Fifa's internal power struggle centers on whether an…
- Keywords: gianni infantino, fifa, governance review, fifa forward enterprise, folarin balogun, world cup sell-off, fifa council, fifa president election, bernd neuendorf, debbie hewitt, sports, Infantino
- Source: the Guardian — https://theguardian.com/football/2026/sep/24/gianni-infantino-under-pressure-abandoned-world-cup-sell-off-fifa-review
- Published: 2026-09-24T09:50:04+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: gianni infantino, fifa, governance review, fifa forward enterprise, folarin balogun, world cup sell-off, fifa council, fifa president election, bernd neuendorf, debbie hewitt, sports
## Infantino proposes external review
Fifa's president wrote to all 211 member associations on Monday proposing an external review of Fifa's governance framework for major strategic initiatives, to be discussed at the council meeting on October 15th in Zurich.
## Council demands past scandals included
The Football Association's chair and other council members are demanding the review examine the abandoned World Cup sell-off plan and the decision to lift Folarin Balogun's suspension during the World Cup.
## Balogun suspension lift sparked backlash
The US striker's suspension from the World Cup last-32 tie against Belgium was lifted after a phone call to Infantino from Donald Trump, prompting council members to attempt calling an extraordinary general meeting.
## European confederations oppose Infantino
The European, Asian, and North and Central American confederations have 21 of 38 council seats, but some delegates from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Malaysia publicly support Infantino, making any vote tight.
## Neuendorf calls review cynical electioneering
The German football federation president described Infantino's offer as a transparent ploy to secure re-election next year, saying Infantino is not the right person to lead a reform process.

> I regard Gianni Infantino's letter as a transparent ploy to secure his re-election next year.
## Infantino claims positive reception
Speaking from Saudi Arabia, Infantino said his letter had been well received and he was committed to dialogue with all member associations about governance matters.

> This is not about generating positive headlines, it is about doing what is right for the game.
## Key takeaway

Fifa's internal power struggle centers on whether an external review will examine past scandals or only look forward.