Football Association chair Debbie Hewitt has called on FIFA president Gianni Infantino to disclose all documents connected to the abandoned proposal to sell a minority stake in the commercial operation of the World Cup and other FIFA competitions.
Hewitt, who also serves as a FIFA vice-president, made the request in a letter addressed to Infantino and FIFA secretary general Mattias Grafstrom. She wants the relevant material distributed before the next FIFA Council meeting on 15 October.
The letter raises broader concerns about governance and internal decision-making at world football’s governing body. Hewitt has also requested a written explanation for the decision to cancel the suspension of United States forward Folarin Balogun during the World Cup.
Pressure on FIFA has intensified over the FIFA Forward Enterprise project, known as FFE. The plan would have created a separate company responsible for commercial and ticketing rights across FIFA competitions, including the World Cup.
Under the proposal, a 21% stake in the new business would have been sold to a private investment company. FIFA eventually abandoned the project after it faced strong opposition from national football associations.
Hewitt is also seeking an independent examination of the project, including how FFE was developed, who was involved in its creation and how the process for selecting a private investor was conducted.
The dispute has already developed into a legal confrontation. UEFA began preparing criminal proceedings against Infantino in three US courts last month in connection with the proposal and has separately sought access to documents relating to the project.
FIFA has rejected UEFA’s accusations and has challenged the litigation, arguing that the European governing body is conducting a campaign against FIFA and its leadership.
The controversy comes as Infantino prepares to seek another term as FIFA president. The 56-year-old is due to stand for election for a fourth time in March, while prospective challengers have until 18 November to enter the race.