FA Chair Demands FIFA President Release Documents on World Cup Sale Plan

Football Association chair Debbie Hewitt has formally requested that FIFA President Gianni Infantino release all documentation concerning his proposed plan to sell a stake in the World Cup. Hewitt, who also holds the position of FIFA vice-president, sent a letter to Infantino and FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafstrom demanding access to the documents.

The letter, sent ahead of the next FIFA Council meeting on October 15, also calls for a written explanation regarding the revoked suspension of U.S. forward Folarin Balogun during the recent World Cup. Hewitt's correspondence reportedly accuses FIFA of governance failures and a breakdown in its internal culture.

Infantino has faced significant backlash over the proposed FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) initiative. This plan would have involved creating a new entity to manage the commercial and ticketing rights for all FIFA competitions, including the World Cup, with the intention of selling a 21% stake to a private investment firm. The proposal was ultimately withdrawn due to widespread opposition from national football associations.

Hewitt's letter further suggests that an independent review should be conducted into the conception of the FFE plan, including its originators and the process by which private investment was tendered. Earlier in the month, UEFA had initiated steps toward criminal legal proceedings against Infantino in three U.S. courts over the FFE plan, also demanding the release of related documents. FIFA responded by accusing UEFA of a "smear campaign."

The FA had expressed concerns about the Balogun situation from the outset, requesting documentation that explained the reversal of his one-match suspension. Balogun, 25, was permitted to play against Belgium in the Round of 16 despite having received a straight red card in a previous match. FIFA had stated the automatic ban would be suspended for one year, citing a rule that allows for the suspension of punishments, but provided no further reasoning. The FA, which had previously sent a letter of support for Infantino's re-election bid, voiced deep concerns about potential political intervention. U.S. President Donald Trump later confirmed he had contacted Infantino regarding the review of Balogun's ban.

The FFE proposal, which emerged shortly after the World Cup final, has been a point of contention. UEFA, Concacaf, and the Asian Football Confederation issued a joint open letter accusing FIFA and Infantino of breaking trust "through deception." Consequently, many national associations, including those from England, Wales, and Scotland, have rescinded their support for Infantino's re-election. However, Infantino retains significant global backing, with the confederations of Africa, South America, and Oceania reiterating their support. Infantino is seeking a fourth term as FIFA president, with the deadline for alternative candidates to declare their intention to run being November 18.