The Premier League has added its voice to a growing chorus of discontent directed at Fifa, joining La Liga, the Bundesliga and Serie A in a joint statement demanding root-and-branch reform of world football's governing body. The four leagues are pulling no punches, accusing Fifa president Gianni Infantino of having "actively promoted exploitative ideas" and warning that the sport's foundations are being undermined.

What the statement says

Signed by Premier League chief executive Richard Masters, Bundesliga CEO Marc Lenz, La Liga president Javier Tebas and Serie A CEO Luigi De Siervo, the letter is a co-ordinated escalation of a dispute that has been simmering for years. The leagues say they are speaking out "because we understand how Fifa's relentless expansionism affects everyone" and insist that governance that concentrates "unchecked regulatory, commercial and political power in a single office" is simply not fit for purpose.

The statement references "one of the biggest abuses of power in Fifa's history" — a nod to the now-collapsed Fifa Forward Enterprise scheme, Infantino's failed attempt to sell a stake in the World Cup to private investors. Though that proposal was ultimately withdrawn following global outcry, the four leagues argue that the conditions which produced it have not gone away.

The Balogun affair looms large

Woven into the statement is a pointed reference to the cancelled suspension of United States forward Folarin Balogun at the recent World Cup, after US President Donald Trump reportedly contacted Infantino asking for the ban to be reconsidered. The leagues call for "confidence that individual disciplinary matters remain demonstrably insulated from political interference" — language that makes clear exactly what episode they have in mind.

What the leagues are demanding

The four competitions have set out a clear list of structural changes they want Fifa to adopt:

  • A permanent stakeholder body — representing leagues, clubs and players from both the men's and women's game, with a meaningful role in Fifa's decision-making rather than a purely advisory function.
  • Evidence-based decision-making — with any major proposal subject to an independent impact assessment covering all stakeholders before it can proceed.
  • Separation of powers — a formal divide between Fifa's regulatory role and its commercial operations, underpinned by ethics, financial oversight and electoral bodies that are genuinely free from interference by the Fifa administration or presidency.

A dispute with deep roots

This is not the first time these parties have clashed. Two years ago, Europe's leading leagues and players' union Fifpro filed a legal complaint against Fifa with the European Commission, alleging an abuse of dominance over the expansion of the international fixture calendar. Fifa denied those claims at the time and accused certain leagues of hypocrisy. That legal action remains ongoing, and Tuesday's joint statement makes explicit that it was triggered by the very governance failures now being highlighted.

Infantino stands firm — for now

Despite three confederations calling for him to step down, Infantino has confirmed he intends to stand for re-election at next March's Fifa congress. His opponents have until 18 November to put forward a rival candidate. The four leagues say they want any candidates seeking the presidency to formally support their reform proposals, framing the upcoming election as a pivotal moment: "Now is the moment to decide not only who will lead Fifa, but also how Fifa should be led."

Infantino had moved to get ahead of the storm last week by proposing an external review of Fifa's operations, but the leagues are dismissive of that gesture. "It is not enough for surface-level, process changes to be explored," their statement reads. "Fundamental governance reform is essential." Fifa has been approached for comment.

Frequently asked

Why are the Premier League and European leagues criticising Fifa?
The Premier League, La Liga, Bundesliga and Serie A have issued a joint statement calling for fundamental reform of Fifa's governance. They accuse president Gianni Infantino of concentrating too much regulatory, commercial and political power in a single office without proper checks and balances, and point to the failed World Cup stake sale and concerns over political interference in disciplinary matters as evidence of the problem.
What is the Fifa Forward Enterprise scheme?
The Fifa Forward Enterprise (FFE) scheme was Gianni Infantino's proposal to sell a stake in the FIFA World Cup to private investors. It sparked widespread opposition from leagues, clubs, players and fans around the world and was eventually withdrawn, though the four leagues argue that the governance failures behind it remain unaddressed.
Will Infantino stand for re-election as Fifa president?
Yes. Despite calls from three confederations for him to step aside, Infantino has confirmed he will stand for re-election at the Fifa congress in March. Those wishing to put forward an alternative candidate have until 18 November to do so.