FA demands answers from Infantino over World Cup sell-off plan and Balogun case

Football Association chair Debbie Hewitt has written to FIFA president Gianni Infantino demanding an independent investigation into the proposals to bring private investors into the World Cup and into the handling of Folarin Balogun’s disciplinary case. The letter, first reported by The Times, increases the pressure on Infantino, who remains determined to stand for re-election next March.

• Debbie Hewitt wants an external review of the FIFA private investment project.
• The scheme involved selling a 20% stake in a body managing the men’s and women’s World Cups.
• The FA is also seeking an explanation over the suspended one-match ban imposed on Folarin Balogun.
• UEFA says it has lost confidence in Infantino and is looking for an alternative candidate.
• Infantino still has strong backing in South America, Africa and parts of the Middle East.

What Debbie Hewitt is demanding from FIFA

Hewitt, who combines her FA role with a FIFA vice-presidency and a seat on the FIFA Council, wants an external body to examine the private investment scheme. She is also asking why the disciplinary committee chose to suspend the one-game ban handed to American forward Balogun during the tournament.

The commercial plan was built around creating a company to run FIFA competitions, including the men’s and women’s World Cups, and selling a 20% stake to outside investors. The proposal has met resistance from three continental confederations and has weakened Infantino’s standing inside the organisation.

The plan to sell a 20% stake in the World Cup

The project aimed to turn the operation of FIFA tournaments into a business backed by private capital. Selling a fifth of the future management company would have generated income, but also handed outside parties a share of control over key football assets. UEFA has already taken legal action in the United States to force the release of documents linked to the scheme.

Infantino apologised on 5 August over the processes surrounding the investment strategy, and FIFA’s management board promised an evaluation would take place. But the governing body has never confirmed who is carrying out that review. Hewitt’s letter calls for the audit to be external and transparent.

The Balogun case and Donald Trump’s phone call

The provisional lifting of Balogun’s suspension came before US president Donald Trump admitted he had personally contacted Infantino to ask for a review of the red card shown to the striker in the match against Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The suspended ban allowed the forward to feature in the last-16 tie against Belgium. The Belgian football association (RBFA) continues to examine its legal options over a decision it sees as damaging to its sporting interests.

UEFA’s opposition and the election timetable

UEFA has stated it has lost confidence in Infantino and is working to back a credible challenger ahead of the FIFA Congress in March. The official nomination deadline falls on 18 November, leaving little time to build a serious alternative.

Despite the growing scrutiny, Infantino has announced his intention to run again. He retains solid support in South America, Africa and much of the Middle East, with Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates among his key allies.

What to expect at the FIFA Congress in March

The FIFA Congress in March is shaping up as the moment when the opposition’s real strength will be tested. If no alternative candidate gathers enough backing before the 18 November deadline, infantino would be re-elected with little formal challenge. The battle over the commercial future of the World Cup and the handling of Balogun’s case will both shape the campaign.