International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) President Gianni Infantino has signaled openness to reform discussions by proposing that FIFA's operations be reviewed by an independent external body.

Major foreign media outlets, including the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) and Reuters, reported on September 22 (KST) that President Infantino sent a letter containing this proposal to all FIFA Council members and 211 member associations.

In the letter, President Infantino wrote, "I will ask the Council whether FIFA's current governance framework for major strategic projects should be reviewed by an independent external body, which would then recommend improvements."

He added, "I will propose that the Council establish a direct, structured, and time-bound consultation process, working alongside continental confederations, member associations, and stakeholders, on how to further strengthen FIFA's decision-making."

The move is interpreted as an effort by President Infantino to find a breakthrough for his re-election by proactively proposing governance improvements that could dilute presidential power, following intense pressure after the collapse of the "FIFA Forward Enterprises" (FFE) plan, which aimed to sell stakes in major tournaments such as the World Cup.

Opponents of President Infantino are demanding his immediate resignation alongside a comprehensive overhaul of FIFA governance, which they argue concentrates excessive power in the presidency.

According to the BBC, discussions among the opposition include introducing a single-term limit, further separating the presidency from FIFA administration, strengthening human rights and sustainability measures, and redistributing FIFA's cash reserves.

President Infantino's plan—revealed in July—to establish a subsidiary named FFE dedicated to commercial World Cup rights and transfer a 20 percent stake in the company to U.S. private equity firm Thrive Capital for 4.2 billion dollars was scrapped following fierce backlash.

Amid ongoing severe confrontation within international football, opposition leaders—specifically Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) President Aleksander Ceferin and Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) President Victor Montagliani—recently stepped up pressure by sending a letter to FIFA demanding that 10 million dollars be distributed to each of the 211 member associations.

Earlier this month, Football Association (FA) Chair and FIFA Vice President Debbie Hewitt called on President Infantino to disclose all documents related to the FFE plan.

Hewitt also demanded the release of documents concerning the decision to overturn a suspension imposed on U.S. forward Folarin Balogun during the World Cup.

President Infantino, a 56-year-old dual citizen of Switzerland and Italy, is seeking a fourth term in an election scheduled to be held in Rabat, Morocco, in March of next year.

The opposition must find a rival candidate by November 18, and President Infantino currently stands as the sole candidate.

Reuters reported, "According to sources with knowledge of the matter, Infantino has already secured sufficient votes to win. As a result, the opposition appears to be shifting its focus toward curtailing his powers rather than fielding a challenger."

(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)