Gianni Infantino has proposed that the FIFA Council consider an independent external review of the organisation's governance as he faces calls to resign as president.

In a letter to the FIFA Council and all 211 member associations, Infantino said he remains committed to leading the organisation. The letter came amid criticism of his handling of a now-abandoned plan to sell a stake in FIFA's commercial rights.

Why Is Infantino Proposing an Independent FIFA Governance Review?

The letter, seen by the Associated Press, asks the Council to consider commissioning an independent review of FIFA's governance framework for major strategic initiatives.

Infantino has also proposed consultations with the confederations and member associations on FIFA's decision-making structure, including the roles of the president, Bureau, Council, and Congress. Reports differ on whether the review has already been agreed.

Some outlets say Infantino has agreed to it, while others report that he has proposed the review and still needs the Council's approval. The proposal is expected to be discussed at the Council's next scheduled meeting in mid-October.

The proposed review is Infantino's latest governance measure since FIFA withdrew the FIFA Forward Enterprise proposal.

The plan would have involved selling private investors a minority stake in a new FIFA commercial entity holding rights linked to competitions including the World Cup. Infantino has said the plan would not have given up FIFA's control over sporting decisions.

He has also acknowledged that the proposal was made public before FIFA had completed its internal process, which he said gave the impression that the decision had already been made.

Why Is Infantino Facing Calls to Resign?

UEFA has led calls for Infantino to step down, with the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and CONCACAF also calling for changes to FIFA's leadership.

The fallout has moved beyond internal criticism, with UEFA seeking documents and testimony in US courts as it considers potential criminal proceedings in Switzerland over the FFE plan.

Separately, Football Association chair Debbie Hewitt wrote to Infantino earlier this month calling for an independent review of both the private-investment plan and FIFA's handling of the suspension involving US forward Folarin Balogun.

Infantino has not indicated that he intends to step aside. In the same letter proposing the governance review, he said he remains fully committed to leading FIFA. He has also confirmed his intention to seek a fourth term as president.

He also told member federations that their treatment by FIFA would not depend on their position on the FFE proposal or any other institutional matter.

What Happens Next With FIFA's Governance Review?

The next step rests with FIFA's Council, which is due to consider whether to formally commission the review Infantino has proposed.

Any consultation on decision-making powers, including the president's authority, would follow, with Infantino describing it as a structured and time-limited process. The governance review is also taking place ahead of the next FIFA presidential election.

Candidates who want to challenge Infantino have until November 18 to enter the race, with the election scheduled for March 2027.. The timing of the governance review means it could take place alongside the election campaign, depending on how quickly the Council acts on Infantino's proposal.