Global players' union Fifpro is pushing for an independent review of Fifa's governance following significant backlash over a controversial World Cup private investment scheme. The scrutiny is particularly focused on Fifa president Gianni Infantino and his management of the Fifa Forward Enterprise (FFE) proposal, which aimed to allow private investors to acquire a 20% stake in a business responsible for managing commercial operations for Fifa events, including both the men’s and women’s World Cups.

The plan was ultimately abandoned after being rejected by three continental confederations, notably including Uefa, which had threatened to boycott Fifa tournaments unless the proposal was withdrawn and assurances were made that similar attempts would not recur.

On 27 August, Uefa retracted its boycott threat but expressed its intention to propose a credible alternative candidate against Infantino for the presidency at next year’s Congress, citing a loss of confidence in his leadership. Uefa also joined calls for an independent review into the FFE decision-making process.

Fifpro and Fifpro Europe supported this demand, emphasizing the need to prevent unilateral actions by any single office in the future. They also called for the formal inclusion of player, club, and league representatives in the Fifa Council’s decision-making structure.

Fifa had committed to reviewing the FFE process on 5 August, though details about who would conduct the review remain unclear. In an announcement, Fifa claimed that all actions taken were in full compliance with its regulatory framework.

A report released by Fifpro highlighted the financial aspects of football, arguing that the infrastructure supporting the global workforce should not be treated as a sellable or undervalued asset. Fifa had valued the FFE at $20 billion (£14.84 billion), a figure that Uefa later described as "fraudulently off-market" in American court filings.

Despite increasing calls for Infantino to resign, Fifa confirmed earlier this month that he intends to run for a fourth term in next year’s election. Infantino recently made a rare public appearance at the Under-20 Women’s World Cup, where he refrained from commenting on his future amidst the growing pressure for his resignation.