The Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, and the Bundesliga have collectively demanded urgent reforms within FIFA, calling for structural changes to the world football governing body. The four leagues argue that systemic governance issues extend beyond any single individual, necessitating a move away from the organization’s recent trend of relentless expansionism. As founding members of European Leagues and the World Leagues Association, because we understand how FIFA’s relentless expansionism affects everyone, we are speaking up together. Leadership in football is not a possession. It is not about holding — or demanding — power to be held,” they wrote.
This push for change follows a period of significant controversy surrounding FIFA’s abandoned attempt to launch the FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) project, which would have introduced private investment into the men’s and women’s World Cups. Describing the project as one of the most severe abuses of power in the organization’s history, the leagues insisted that surface-level process changes are insufficient to address the underlying issues.
In a formal statement, the four leagues emphasized that constitutional boundaries must be restored to ensure that disciplinary matters remain free from political interference. They are advocating for the establishment of a permanent, representative body that includes national associations, clubs, players, and leagues from both men’s and women’s football. This proposed entity would ensure stakeholders are fully informed of new initiatives and hold a meaningful role in the decision-making process.
Furthermore, the leagues called for a clear separation between FIFA’s commercial activities and its duty to act as a regulator and guardian of the sport. They propose that all major future initiatives be supported by transparent rationales, independent assessments, and evidence of the impact on all stakeholders before being approved.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who recently proposed a consultation with national federations to address governance concerns, currently remains the only candidate for the presidential election set for March 18, 2027. The window for submitting candidacies remains open until November 18, and the four leagues have invited potential challengers to commit to these reform principles within their first 100 days in office. The four leagues put a call out for candidates for the FIFA presidency who will endorse their principles “within the first 100 days of the next presidential mandate.
Despite the criticism from the four European leagues and a joint letter of opposition issued in August by UEFA, CONCACAF, and the AFC, Infantino retains significant backing. Notable support has emerged from Saudi Arabia, host of the 2034 World Cup, alongside the African football governing body CAF and the South American confederation CONMEBOL. However, Infantino is not without friends — 2034 World Cup hosts Saudi Arabia came out in support last month, with African football’s governing body CAF and South America’s CONMEBOL also supportive.
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