In Zurich, where FIFA’s next Council meeting is already drawing the attention of football’s confederations, Debbie Hewitt has asked Gianni Infantino to open the files on two matters that have unsettled the game’s governing body: a withdrawn plan to sell a stake in the World Cup to private investors, and the decision to defer Folarin Balogun’s suspension during the 2026 tournament.
Hewitt, the Football Association chair and a FIFA vice-president, has written to FIFA president Infantino and secretary general Mattias Grafstrom seeking disclosure and an independent examination of the abandoned commercial proposal. Her intervention adds to the pressure around FIFA’s leadership after opposition from UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation and Concacaf.
Questions over World Cup ownership and governance
The proposed sale of an interest in FIFA competitions, including the World Cup, was ultimately dropped, but the plan prompted substantial resistance among continental football bodies. Hewitt’s letter raises concerns about governance shortcomings and what it describes as a worsening internal culture at FIFA.
She has requested access to information connected with the proposed privatisation of FIFA-organised tournaments, alongside an independent review of the project. Infantino is expected to provide the relevant documents before the FIFA Council convenes on 15 October.
The Balogun disciplinary decision
- Balogun was sent off as the United States beat Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-0 in the World Cup round of 32.
- The United States forward received a one-match ban, which would have ruled him out of the subsequent round-of-16 tie against Belgium.
- US president Donald Trump contacted Infantino and urged him to reconsider the punishment.
- FIFA then placed Balogun’s suspension on hold for one year, making him eligible for the Belgium match.
Hewitt has also sought details of how that disciplinary outcome was reached. The combination of the shelved investment proposal and the Balogun case has sharpened calls for greater scrutiny of decision-making at the top of world football.
