Premier League demand FIFA reform in joint statement

The Premier League is set to join the Bundesliga, La Liga and Serie A in calling for urgent reforms to FIFA's governance as pressure on president Gianni Infantino continues to grow, Sky Sports reports. The four out of the top five European leagues are expected to issue a joint statement demanding more consultation on important decisions, particularly those affecting the international football calendar.

They're also calling for stronger independent oversight and a more meaningful role for leagues and other stakeholders in FIFA's decision-making. Whether they'd also demand Infantino's resignation remains to be seen, but the move adds to growing concerns across European football about how FIFA makes major decisions.

The expansion of the football calendar is one of several issues on the table. Domestic leagues have become increasingly concerned about what they see as "calendar creep", with expanded international competitions and more frequent Club World Cups adding pressure to an already crowded schedule.

The statement also comes after the European Leagues Association filed a legal complaint with the European Union about how FIFA handles the International Match Calendar. The Premier League, Bundesliga, La Liga and Serie A are among the leagues represented by the organisation.

Infantino has been under the spotlight since FIFA abandoned its FIFA Forward Enterprise proposal in July. He wanted to sell a 20% stake in FIFA's commercial rights to private investors, including rights linked to the World Cup.

The proposal sent global football into a frenzy. Major football bodies, including UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation and CONCACAF, called for him to shut it down.

Infantino recently wrote to FIFA's 211 member associations and the FIFA Council to address those concerns, proposing an independent external review of the organisation's governance framework. He also offered to sit down with confederations, national associations and other stakeholders to talk about improving transparency, participation and accountability.

There have been calls for him to step down as FIFA president, but he's determined to seek re-election in 2027 despiterapidly losing support from several federations.