UEFA wants a radical reform of FIFA and a credible successor

The UEFA Executive has tasked its president, Aleksander Ceferin, and its officials with mobilizing all necessary institutional, political, and legal means to ensure a fundamental reform, restore clear limits to presidential authority, and ensure that FIFA once again becomes an institution governed by rules rather than centered around a single individual. This strong statement follows an announcement made the same day: UEFA has filed discovery requests in Florida. This initiative marks a break with the current leadership.

The European federation no longer conceals its lack of confidence in Gianni Infantino. In a context where tensions between UEFA and FIFA have reached a peak, European bodies are stepping up their actions to push for a change in governance. The stated goal? To restore transparent and fair management of world football, free from current abuses. “We must restore order and credibility,” clarified a member of the executive committee under anonymity.

Legal proceedings initiated in Florida

UEFA has taken a further step by filing discovery requests in Florida, a legal move that could shed light on contested practices within FIFA. This unprecedented action in scope aims to strengthen UEFA’s position in its negotiations with the international federation. The requests notably concern internal documents and communications that could reveal major dysfunctions. These steps are based on ongoing investigations and recent revelations that have shaken the confidence of football stakeholders. UEFA is banking on a comprehensive strategy: combining legal pressure and structural reform to usher in a new era for FIFA. “We have no other choice but to act decisively,” added the same source.

Toward more transparent and balanced governance?

The UEFA Executive Committee has made it clear that it wants to “restore appropriate limits to the president’s authority” within FIFA. This push to rebalance power is coupled with an active search for a credible successor to Infantino, who is seen as the embodiment of opaque and centralized governance. Internal UEFA discussions now focus on profiles capable of restoring legitimacy to the institution. The European federations, united under the UEFA banner, aim to send a strong signal to other continents. Their message is unambiguous: world football can no longer be run by one man. “We must ensure FIFA operates as an institution, not as a personal empire,” concluded a UEFA executive. This stance is part of a broader movement challenging current refereeing and managerial practices.