Dutch football body says Infantino must go by 2027 and calls for summit on Fifa's future

The Dutch Football Association (KNVB) has publicly expressed a lack of confidence in FIFA President Gianni Infantino, stating that the organization’s current leadership structure must undergo fundamental changes by 2027. In a letter addressed to UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin, the KNVB called for a summit on the future of FIFA that excludes Infantino, signaling growing international dissatisfaction with the Swiss leader’s tenure. The move comes amid mounting scrutiny over Infantino’s controversial Fifa Forward Enterprise (FFE) initiative, which sought to introduce private investment into major FIFA events such as the Men’s and Women’s World Cups. The plan, now officially withdrawn, has drawn criticism for its perceived lack of transparency and centralized decision-making. Infantino, who assumed the presidency in 2016 following the resignation of Sepp Blatter, had appeared poised for an uncontested re-election in March 2027, buoyed by the success of the recent World Cup hosted in the United States. However, the fallout from the FFE proposal has eroded support among several football federations, with UEFA reportedly considering legal action against Infantino for alleged "criminal mismanagement." The KNVB highlighted the withdrawal of the FFE as a pivotal moment, noting that while the decision to abandon the initiative was necessary, it failed to restore the trust that had already been compromised. The KNVB emphasized that a new FIFA president alone would not suffice to address the systemic issues within the organization. It argued that power had become overly concentrated around Infantino, with inadequate checks and balances between the president, the FIFA Council, the Congress, and the Secretary-General. According to the KNVB, the FFE proposal was developed behind closed doors, with only a select group of senior FIFA officials informed during a meeting in New York prior to the World Cup final in the U.S. This approach, the KNVB claimed, undermined the principles of transparency and inclusivity that FIFA claims to uphold. The KNVB outlined three key priorities for reform: establishing robust governance structures to ensure a better balance of power, placing football’s broader social impact at the center of FIFA’s mission, and increasing global investment in the sport. It stressed that any proposed changes should not originate solely from Europe but must involve all 211 member associations and confederations worldwide. The association also criticized Infantino for making unilateral decisions, often involving only a small inner circle, which it described as inconsistent with the collaborative spirit required for effective global governance. To facilitate dialogue on these issues, the KNVB proposed an International Summit on the Future of FIFA, which it offered to host in Amsterdam, a city it noted holds historical significance for FIFA. The summit, according to the KNVB, should serve as a platform for football associations and confederations to discuss the organization’s future direction before the 2027 presidential election. The KNVB argued that determining the type of FIFA the global community wants should precede identifying the leadership capable of delivering that vision. Uefa declined to comment on the letter, citing that the communication was intended to remain private. However, it affirmed its ongoing collaboration with the KNVB, expressing appreciation for the long-standing partnership. Meanwhile, the KNVB reiterated its stance that the upcoming election should not merely focus on selecting a new president but rather on defining the strategic path for FIFA moving forward. As the deadline approaches for potential candidates to challenge Infantino, the call for structural reform continues to gain momentum, reflecting deepening concerns over the future of global football governance.