UEFA Demands Urgent Answers from FIFA President Gianni Infantino Ahead of Reelection

POLICY WIRE — London, United Kingdom — European football governing body UEFA has formally requested that FIFA provide detailed explanations regarding the presidency of Gianni Infantino. The inquiry, which includes specific questions about the FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) project and the FIFA Peace Prize, carries a deadline of November 2, according to reports from British media on Monday.

Tensions have escalated as UEFA continues to lead calls for the 56-year-old president to step down. The scrutiny follows Infantino’s proposal of the now-abandoned FFE project, an initiative that sought to establish a company to manage the commercial interests of FIFA competitions, such as the World Cup, while selling a minority stake to private investors.

During a FIFA Council meeting last week, Infantino offered an apology and requested that any governance-related concerns be submitted in writing for discussion at the next scheduled meeting on December 16. However, UEFA General Secretary Theodore Theodoridis has rejected this timeline, writing to his FIFA counterpart, Mattias Grafstrom, to demand a swifter response to 42 distinct questions spanning 12 separate topics.

In his correspondence, Theodoridis emphasized the urgency of the matter, stating, These questions require answers now. He further noted that these inquiries cannot be deferred until the next FIFA Council meeting, nor can future governance reforms serve as a substitute for the immediate scrutiny and accountability of decisions already implemented.

While Reuters has not obtained a copy of the letter, both UEFA and FIFA did not immediately provide a response to requests for comment. The pressure comes as Infantino prepares for his reelection bid in March 2027, with a November 18 deadline approaching for potential candidates to formally submit their nominations.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)