Serie A
The four leagues demand reforms from FIFA as Infantino stays in power
Serie A, Premier League, LaLiga and Bundesliga have announced that they will publish a joint statement calling for urgent reforms in FIFA's governance, while President Gianni Infantino continues to insist on keeping his role despite growing calls for his resignation.
Call for reform and consultation
The four leagues are demanding greater consultation on key issues, including the international calendar, and are calling for more independent oversight of FIFA's decisions. The proposal comes after the commercial rights sales plan for the tournaments, including the World Cup, was abandoned.
Reactions from federations and FIFA members
The withdrawal of support by the Italian federation was cited as an example of dissent, while other FIFA council members have asked that the external investigation proposed by Infantino also include the World Cup plan and the Balogun affair.
Infantino's position and the leagues' response
Infantino wrote this week to the 211 affiliated federations, announcing that at the next FIFA meeting, scheduled for October 15 in Zurich, he will present a request for an independent investigation into the leadership structure. Nevertheless, he reiterated his desire to remain president, sparking internal resistance.
Specific reactions from the Premier League and the FA
The Premier League has not provided any official comment. Debbie Hewitt, chair of the English Football Association, has requested all documents relating to FIFA Forward Enterprise and the suspension of American player Folarin Balogun; several FIFA members have expressed support for this request.
Consequences and outlook
If the leagues' requests are not included in the investigation, the results could be seen as lacking credibility, according to council members. The combined pressure of the four major European leagues could intensify the debate over Infantino's leadership and the need for more transparent governance.