FIFA vice-president Debbie Hewitt demands Gianni Infantino release all documents relating to the failed World Cup sell-off plan.
English FA chair Debbie Hewitt has demanded that Gianni Infantino release documents about his failed World Cup proposal. The FIFA vice-president also wants a written explanation regarding Folarin Balogun’s overturned suspension.
The Letter And Its Demands
Hewitt sent her letter to both Infantino and FIFA secretary general Mattias Grafstrom. She wants all documents released before FIFA’s next Council meeting on 15 October. The letter makes accusations of governance failures and a breakdown in culture at FIFA. Hewitt expressed disappointment that Infantino has not contacted the Council since 5 August.
That date marked the formal withdrawal of the Forward Enterprise proposal. She also called for an independent review of how the proposal was conceived. That review should establish who developed it and how investment was put to tender. UEFA, CONCACAF and the AFC previously demanded the same in a joint letter.
The Failed Sell-Off Plan
Infantino’s proposal would have created a new company managing FIFA’s commercial and ticketing rights. That entity would have covered all competitions, including future World Cups. Around 21% of the company would have been sold to private investors.
The plan aimed to raise roughly $20 billion for FIFA and its members. Widespread opposition from national associations forced FIFA to scrap the proposal. FIFA confirmed this week that a review would finally reach the Council. Infantino previously called a management board meeting in Rabat following the withdrawal.
The Balogun Controversy Explained
Hewitt’s letter also addresses the handling of USA (81.22) striker Folarin Balogun’s red card. Balogun received a straight red for a foul on Tarik Muharemovic against Bosnia and Herzegovina. That dismissal carried an automatic one-match suspension under standard tournament rules. FIFA subsequently suspended that ban for a year without providing detailed reasoning.
Balogun then played in the USA’s round-of-16 defeat to Belgium. US President Donald Trump later confirmed he called Infantino requesting a review. Infantino defended the decision as coming from independent judicial bodies. The FA had deep concerns about political interference from the outset.
Infantino’s Fading Support
Numerous associations have withdrawn letters of support for Infantino’s re-election bid. England, Wales and Scotland have all rescinded their previous backing. The Dutch KNVB has called for a global summit about large-scale FIFA reform.
France and Greece also withdrew support in recent weeks. German DFB president Bernd Neuendorf said the Infantino system must end. UEFA has meanwhile begun preparing criminal legal proceedings across three US courts.
FIFA responded by accusing UEFA of running a smear campaign against its leadership. Infantino still retains support from Africa, South America and Oceania. He will contest the presidential election in March, with challengers needing nomination by 18 November.
