UEFA has asked FIFA for detailed answers about President Gianni Infantino’s leadership ahead of the 2027 presidential election. According to Reuters reporting on October 20, 2026, European football’s governing body wants a response by November 2.
Why UEFA is seeking answers
UEFA General Secretary Theodore Theodoridis wrote to FIFA counterpart Mattias Grafström with 42 questions across 12 areas. The requests focus on governance, consultation and accountability for decisions already made.
A central issue is the abandoned FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) proposal. It envisaged a separate company to manage commercial interests connected with FIFA competitions and selling a minority stake to private investors. Critics questioned whether the proposal received sufficient oversight and consultation.
Infantino’s response and the election timetable
Infantino apologised to FIFA Council members over the handling of the FFE plan and invited questions in writing. Reuters reported that he expected to address them at a council meeting on December 16. UEFA, however, says scrutiny of past decisions should not be postponed until then.
The dispute comes before the November 18 nomination deadline for FIFA’s presidential election, expected in March 2027. Requests for answers and criticism of leadership do not, by themselves, establish misconduct or remove an elected official.
What happens next?
UEFA is seeking a response by November 2. FIFA’s answers, and whether member associations regard them as sufficiently detailed, could influence the debate about transparency and confidence in football governance.
Frequently asked questions
Has FIFA removed Gianni Infantino?
No. The dispute concerns questions about governance and accountability, not an announced removal from office.
Did FIFA proceed with the FFE proposal?
The commercial restructuring proposal discussed in the reports was abandoned.
When is FIFA expected to respond?
UEFA requested answers by November 2, while FIFA’s next full council meeting was reported for December 16.
Source: Reuters, October 20, 2026. This article is an independently written summary of the reported governance dispute.