FAW's Mooney downplays Infantino's reform proposal as limited in scope
Football Association of Wales chief executive Noel Mooney has questioned whether FIFA president Gianni Infantino's letter about an external review actually signals major reform. Mooney said the letter focuses on strategic projects rather than overhauling FIFA itself. He reiterated that the FAW will not endorse Infantino's re-election bid in 2027.
Mooney's skepticism centers on the letter's language, which he says addresses consultation and decision-making around specific initiatives rather than the structure of FIFA itself. The external review, as proposed, would recommend potential improvements but does not appear to commit to institutional change.
The backdrop is Infantino's abandoned FFE plan, which would have sold stakes in World Cup competitions to private investors. Mooney contrasted FIFA's financial reserves with grassroots needs, noting World Cup revenue has doubled from roughly $8 billion in Qatar to $16 billion for the 2026 tournament in North America.
This dispute could shape how smaller national federations view FIFA's governance ahead of the 2027 presidential election. If reform is seen as superficial, associations like the FAW may rally opposition, potentially fracturing consensus around Infantino's leadership. The outcome may influence whether World Cup revenue reaches grassroots football or remains concentrated at the top, affecting players and communities in less wealthy nations who depend on FIFA funding.