Debbie Hewitt has urged FIFA president Gianni Infantino to release all documents related to his controversial plan to sell stakes in World Cup commercial rights. The Football Association chair and FIFA vice-president called for an independent review of the failed Fifa Forward Enterprise (FFE) proposal, which sparked a major backlash and calls for his resignation from some quarters.

Infantino defends withdrawn proposal

Infantino has reissued his defence of the aborted plan, claiming it aimed to increase FIFA's investment in football. In a letter to FIFA's six continental confederations, seen by this publication, he argued the withdrawn commercial proposal was intended to enable the governing body to invest more in the sport. He wrote that the plan was designed to create a new commercial entity to manage the media and sponsorship rights for the 2026 and 2030 World Cups, with private investors taking a stake.

Funding distribution and election timeline

Infantino has signalled support for greater funding distribution from FIFA's cash reserves. UEFA and Concacaf have demanded FIFA pays money to each of its members from those reserves. "I will not prejudge the amount," Infantino said in the letter. He added, "A single figure can begin the discussion, but it cannot complete a global policy." The FIFA president said he would support 'the greatest level of additional funding that can responsibly be delivered'. The proposal will be considered by the FIFA Council when they meet on 15 October. This follows a previous distribution of funds to each member during the pandemic.

Infantino will stand for election for a fourth term in March 2027, with opponents having until 18 November to find an alternative candidate. The failed FFE plan, which was withdrawn after a revolt by confederations, brought calls for his resignation from some quarters. The controversy has unfolded as clubs across the world manage their own finances, with fans checking their team's standings and stats to gauge performance.

For Bristol City supporters, the story of funding distribution has a parallel in the Championship table. The Robins currently sit 8th with 13 points from 8 games, a position built on a recent run of three wins from their last five. The club's top scorer Dominic Ballard has three goals this season.