French football’s league body has stayed outside a growing European challenge to FIFA, as the Premier League, La Liga, Serie A and Bundesliga demand sweeping changes to the governance of world football.
The Ligue 1 news
The LFP, which runs professional football in France, did not join the joint declaration issued by the four major European domestic leagues. Their leaders have called for what they describe as fundamental reform at FIFA, where Gianni Infantino has been president since 2016.
The four leagues argue that FIFA requires stronger constitutional limits, effective counterweights and greater independence in its decision-making. They reject what they see as cosmetic adjustments and want disciplinary cases involving individuals to be structurally protected from political interference.
In their statement, the leagues accuse FIFA’s leadership of being too exposed to conflicts of interest and of favouring commercial exploitation over the wider interests of the game. They believe that approach risks damaging football’s long-established foundations.
A major concern is FIFA’s focus on the World Cup. The leagues point out that only 1% of professional players take part in the tournament, while the expansion of the international calendar affects domestic competitions and adds pressure to the schedule for clubs and players.
England, Spain, Germany and Italy want a more meaningful role in the decisions that shape the game. They say domestic leagues should no longer be left as spectators while FIFA takes regulatory, commercial and political decisions.
- The leagues seek a transparent, balanced and inclusive governance model at FIFA.
- They want clearer constitutional safeguards within the governing body.
- They demand protection for disciplinary matters from political influence.
- They oppose an international calendar that weakens national league competitions.
- They want domestic leagues to have a stronger voice in football’s future.
The next FIFA presidential election
The group has also turned its attention to the FIFA presidential election scheduled for 2027. It has urged candidates to set out their positions on governance reform and to respect fair electoral rules.
Its appeal extends beyond the four leagues. Confederations, national associations, leagues, clubs, player unions, supporter groups and public authorities across every continent have been invited to support the initiative.
The central message is that the debate is no longer only about how FIFA governs football, but how FIFA itself should be governed. For now, France’s LFP has not attached its name to that European call.
