Welsh FA chief Mooney: Infantino's letter seeks review, not major reform
September 22, 2026 16:40
Football Association of Wales chief executive Noel Mooney has downplayed media reports that Fifa is planning major reforms after president Gianni Infantino circulated a letter proposing an external, independent review of how the governing body operates.
Mooney said the letter did not read as a call for reform of Fifa itself and that the proposed process would "recommend potential improvements" and examine how members were consulted and how decisions were made. He told BBC Radio Wales: "I've seen the headlines today about major reform at Fifa - that's not how the letter read to me, to be frank" and "It doesn't actually say reform of Fifa itself. They would look at how they were consulted and how decisions were made around that."
CONTEXT
Infantino has faced growing pressure since his aborted Fifa Forward Enterprise (FFE) proposal, which would have involved selling stakes in the World Cup and other competitions and sparked a major backlash. The Welsh FA was among the first national associations to withdraw its backing for Infantino's bid to remain in charge.
Mooney reiterated that the FAW will not be endorsing Infantino's candidature. He said of the Fifa president role: "With the Fifa president, you're looking for a moral guardian of the game." Mooney also criticised private equity involvement in the World Cup plan: "The World Cup does not need private equity. They have billions and billions of dollars in reserve. Give us the money. Let us build the pitches. You've got loads of reserves. Let's have it as soon as possible."
He recalled addressing a meeting of all 211 federations at a summit in Miami, citing revenue figures for recent tournaments: "The revenue for Qatar was around eight billion. The revenue for this World Cup in Canada, USA and Mexico is 16 billion. Therefore, it's 100% increase in revenue, give us 100% growth."
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT
Infantino is due to stand for election for a fourth term in March 2027. Opponents have until 18 November to find an alternative candidate. Mooney confirmed the FAW will not support Infantino's re-election bid.