Four European leagues call for structural FIFA reform

The Premier League, La Liga, Serie A and Bundesliga jointly called for structural reform of FIFA on September 25, urging the governing body to give football stakeholders a meaningful role in decisions and to strengthen safeguards between its regulatory and commercial functions. In a joint statement, the leagues proposed a permanent body representing national associations, leagues, clubs and players from men’s and women’s football. They said the body should be fully informed about new initiatives and have a meaningful role in FIFA’s decision-making. They also called for major proposals to be supported by evidence and independently assessed before decisions are made, with the analysis published in advance. The leagues urged candidates in the next FIFA presidential election to convene an independently chaired Governance Convention within the first 100 days of the next mandate. They said it should represent member associations and the wider football community and deliver a public report within six months. Candidates should also publish reform programmes, the leagues said.