DFB chief Neuendorf challenges Infantino’s role in proposed FIFA reforms

German Football Association (DFB) president Bernd Neuendorf has strongly criticised Gianni Infantino’s proposed FIFA reforms, describing them as a “transparent manoeuvre” and questioning the FIFA president’s credibility.

Infantino wrote to all 211 FIFA-affiliated national associations on Monday, calling for discussions with the confederations and national federations about changes to the organisation.

The FIFA president also proposed an independent investigation into the governing body’s decision-making process.

“I will ask the Council whether it wishes to commission an external, independent inquiry into FIFA’s current governance framework concerning its major strategic initiatives,” Infantino wrote in the letter, seen by news agency ANP.

Neuendorf said the proposal suggested FIFA had finally recognised the need for change, but rejected Infantino’s involvement in leading any reform process.

“In principle, FIFA now appears to have understood that changes are necessary,” Neuendorf told German news agency dpa.

But he added: “Gianni Infantino is absolutely not the right person to lead a reform. He has lost all credibility.”

The Dutch Football Association (KNVB) is also calling for changes within FIFA. It previously proposed an international football summit in Amsterdam to discuss potential reforms.

The FIFA Council is due to meet on 15 October, when Infantino’s proposals could be presented.