Recently, FIFA announced its plan to create dozens of new committees and expert panels, which signifies a significant departure from the governance reform that was passed in 2016. This decision comes at a time when the world football body was embroiled in corruption scandals, leading to a comprehensive review of its management structure and principles.
The governance reform passed in 2016 aimed to streamline FIFA’s operations by reducing the number of standing committees from 26 to seven. This move was intended to improve efficiency and ensure a more balanced and inclusive decision-making process involving FIFA’s 200-plus member federations. However, the latest draft update of FIFA’s legal statutes reveals a plan to expand the number of committees from seven to 35, with the possibility of additional panels being created at the discretion of FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
The creation of these new committees raises concerns about the potential for patronage and favoritism within FIFA’s governance structure. By awarding hundreds of expenses-paid committee seats to football officials worldwide, FIFA risks repeating the patronage system that was prevalent during Sepp Blatter’s presidency, which ultimately led to his ousting in 2015. Furthermore, FIFA’s decision to dismantle the existing anti-racism task force and replace it with a new committee raises questions about the effectiveness of the organization’s efforts to combat discrimination in football.
One of the key recommendations of the review panel chaired by François Carrard was to involve FIFA’s member federations in a more meaningful and gender-balanced way in the decision-making processes of the organization. While the new slate of committees proposed by FIFA includes a dedicated “Anti-Racism and Anti-Discrimination Committee,” it remains to be seen how effectively this body will address issues of inclusivity and diversity within FIFA.
Under Infantino’s leadership, decision-making within FIFA has often been centralized, with a small panel chaired by the FIFA President making key decisions that are then rubber-stamped by the FIFA council. This approach has raised concerns about transparency and accountability within the organization. The decision to increase the number of committees, while purportedly aimed at broadening the participation of member associations in FIFA’s decision-making processes, may further centralize power in the hands of a select few individuals.
FIFA’s decision to create dozens of new committees and expert panels represents a significant departure from the governance reform passed in 2016. While the organization’s stated goal of increasing member participation in decision-making processes is laudable, the potential for patronage, centralization of power, and lack of transparency raises concerns about the future of governance within FIFA. It remains to be seen how these new committees will function and whether they will truly enhance the inclusivity and integrity of the organization.
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