The Premier League, together with three of Europe’s most prominent domestic competitions, is set to issue a coordinated statement on Friday calling for immediate reforms to FIFA’s governance structure in the midst of the ongoing crisis surrounding its president, Gianni Infantino. Sky News has learned that the top‑tier English league will join forces with the leading leagues from Germany, Italy and Spain to demand a more inclusive decision‑making process, particularly regarding the worldwide football calendar and other strategic matters that affect clubs and national associations alike. The joint communiqué is still being fine‑tuned as of Thursday afternoon, and it remains unclear whether the leagues will explicitly request Infantino’s resignation.
One insider familiar with the negotiations explained, "The Premier League, Bundesliga, La Liga and Serie A will release a unified statement insisting that FIFA introduce stronger independent oversight and grant key stakeholders – including the domestic leagues – a genuine voice in shaping the sport’s future." The move follows a legal complaint lodged nearly two years ago by the European Leagues Association – an organisation that represents the same four leagues – with the European Union. The complaint accused FIFA of mishandling the International Match Calendar and failing to consult the leagues on changes that could disrupt domestic competitions.
The complaint has now provided a legal backdrop for the leagues’ public demand for reform. For several years, the Premier League and its continental counterparts have been at odds with FIFA over the phenomenon known as “calendar creep.” This term describes the gradual expansion of the global match schedule, which could see more frequent Club World Cups, enlarged continental championships and a crowded international fixture list. Such developments threaten the integrity of domestic leagues, which rely on predictable calendars to maximise broadcasting revenue, fan engagement and player welfare. Earlier in the week, Sky News reported that Infantino, who appears increasingly confident about retaining his position when the next presidential election rolls around next year, sent a letter to football leaders worldwide indicating a willingness to discuss organisational reform.
In the correspondence, Infantino proposed that FIFA’s Council consider commissioning an "independent external review of FIFA's current governance framework for major strategic initiatives and recommend potential improvements." He also pledged to engage with confederations, national associations and other stakeholders to strengthen the decision‑making apparatus. Infantino’s reform overtures come after a wave of criticism from senior executives in the football industry and from various governing bodies.
One of the most contentious proposals was the FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) plan, which sought to sell a 20 per cent stake in FIFA’s commercial rights – including the World Cup – to private investors such as Joshua Kushner, brother of Jared Kushner, a close adviser to former U.S. President Donald Trump.
The plan was abandoned in July following a global outcry and threats of boycotts against FIFA‑organised tournaments. Regional bodies such as UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation and CONCACAF – which represents North and Central America and the Caribbean – have also called for changes to FIFA’s leadership and governance. In the letter that Sky News obtained, Infantino wrote to the heads of all 211 FIFA member associations and to the FIFA Council, stating that he would ask the council whether it wishes to launch an independent review of the current governance model for major strategic initiatives.
He added that he would be open to talks with confederations, member associations and other stakeholders on how to improve transparency, accountability and the overall decision‑making process. The proposed review would examine who currently has authority over major initiatives, clarifying the respective roles of the president, the Bureau, the Council and the Congress. It would also explore mechanisms to enhance openness and responsibility within FIFA’s structures. Infantino stressed that his duty is to serve "all 211 member associations fairly, regardless of their position on any individual matter," and warned that "strong institutions do not wait for their systems to fail before considering how they can be improved." Notably, the letter did not include any suggestion that Infantino himself would step down.
Instead, it reaffirmed his intention to remain at the helm, arguing that his responsibilities are "larger than any individual proposal or disagreement" and that he is committed to guiding FIFA through a period of change. The Premier League declined to comment on the forthcoming statement on Thursday, maintaining its usual policy of speaking through official channels only. The league’s silence underscores the delicate balance it seeks to strike between asserting its interests and preserving a collaborative relationship with FIFA and the broader football ecosystem. The broader context of this dispute highlights the growing tension between global governing bodies and the powerful domestic leagues that generate the majority of the sport’s commercial revenue.
As the Premier League, Bundesliga, La Liga and Serie A continue to push for a seat at the table, they are also signalling to FIFA that any future reforms must be substantive, not merely cosmetic. The leagues are demanding a governance model that respects the financial stakes, scheduling realities and fan expectations that underpin modern football.
If the joint statement is released as planned, it could mark a pivotal moment in the ongoing debate over how football is governed at the highest level. It may also force FIFA to confront the structural issues that have long been raised by clubs, leagues and confederations alike – issues that, if left unaddressed, could erode confidence in the sport’s global administration and potentially lead to further fragmentation. In summary, the Premier League and its European counterparts are preparing to publicly demand that FIFA overhaul its governance framework, increase independent oversight, and involve key stakeholders in meaningful dialogue about the sport’s future.
While the exact wording of the statement is still being finalised, the core message is clear: FIFA must evolve or risk losing the confidence of the leagues that drive the game’s commercial success. The outcome of this push for reform could shape the relationship between FIFA and the world’s most influential domestic competitions for years to come.