FA Chair Demands FIFA Release World Cup Sell‑Off Documents

Debbie Hewitt, chair of the English Football Association and a FIFA vice‑president, has written to FIFA President Gianni Infantino demanding full disclosure of documents related to the failed World Cup sell‑off plan and the decision to lift the ban on U.S. striker Folarin Balogun. The request comes…

By Felo News Desk · Published Thu, 17 Sep 2026 19:58:21 GMT

The English Football Association’s chair, Debbie Hewitt, has formally asked FIFA to hand over every document it holds on the abandoned plan to sell a stake in the World Cup to private investors, as well as papers on the controversial lifting of a ban on U.S. striker Folarin Balogun. The letter, addressed to FIFA President Gianni Infantino and his deputy Mattias Grafström, arrives just weeks before the FIFA Council is set to meet in Zurich on 15 October.

What Happened

In July 2024, FIFA announced a proposal to sell a portion of the World Cup’s commercial rights to private investors. The plan, dubbed the FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), was intended to raise revenue for the sport but was met with immediate criticism from national associations, clubs and players. UEFA threatened a boycott of all FIFA competitions if the proposal went ahead, and the idea was ultimately abandoned in August after a formal withdrawal by Infantino.

At the same time, FIFA’s ethics committee lifted the suspension of Folarin Balogun, a forward for the United States national team, after a red card in the last‑32 match against Bosnia and Herzegovina. The ban was rescinded following a phone call from U.S. President Donald Trump to Infantino, allowing Balogun to play in the last‑16 clash with Belgium. The decision was widely criticised as a breach of sporting integrity.

Why the FA Is Taking Action

Debbie Hewitt, who also serves as a FIFA vice‑president and a member of the FIFA Council, has been at the forefront of the push for greater transparency. In early September, she and other council members drafted a letter demanding an independent review of the FFE plan and the Balogun controversy. The letter was reported by the Times and later confirmed by the Guardian, and it was sent to Infantino and Grafström ahead of the Zurich meeting.

Hewitt’s move is part of a broader campaign by several national associations to hold Infantino accountable. The FA’s request comes at a critical juncture: the FIFA Council will vote on the future of the World Cup commercial model, and the upcoming FIFA Congress in November will decide who will run for the presidency in March 2025. The FA’s endorsement of Infantino’s fourth term has been withdrawn, and UEFA is actively seeking a credible challenger.

Potential Impact on the 2035 Women’s World Cup Bid

The United Kingdom is the sole bidder for the 2035 Women’s World Cup, and any perceived missteps by the FA could jeopardise that bid. FIFA’s decision to release or withhold the requested documents will be closely watched by the UK’s bid committee, as transparency is a key criterion in the selection process. If the FA’s demands are met, it could strengthen the UK’s case by demonstrating a commitment to governance reforms.

What’s Next?

FIFA’s response to the letter is still pending. The organisation has stated that it followed due process in handling the FFE proposal and that the ethics committee’s decision on Balogun was independent, but no written report has yet been published. UEFA has filed legal applications in U.S. courts seeking disclosure of the sell‑off documents, and it has pledged to nominate a candidate to challenge Infantino at the March Congress.

The FIFA Council meeting in Zurich will be the first time Infantino meets with all 36 council members since the FFE plan was announced. The outcome of that meeting could set the tone for the forthcoming presidential election and the direction of FIFA’s commercial strategy. Meanwhile, the FA will likely continue to push for a full audit of the FFE proposal and a transparent review of the Balogun case.

As the story develops, stakeholders across the football world will be watching closely to see whether FIFA can restore confidence in its governance and whether the UK’s bid for the 2035 Women’s World Cup remains on track.

Key facts

FA chair demands FIFA documents on failed World Cup sell‑off
FIFA’s ethics committee lifted Folarin Balogun’s ban after Trump call
UEFA threatens boycott and seeks Infantino challenger
UK’s 2035 Women’s World Cup bid at stake
FIFA yet to publish official report on FFE plan

Why it matters

The demand for transparency highlights growing pressure on FIFA to uphold governance standards, which could shape the future of international football and the UK’s chance to host the 2035 Women’s World Cup.

Frequently asked questions

What is the FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) plan?

The FFE was a proposal to sell a stake in the World Cup’s commercial rights to private investors, intended to raise revenue for FIFA. It was abandoned in August after backlash from national associations and UEFA.

Why was Folarin Balogun’s ban lifted?

The ban was lifted following a phone call from U.S. President Donald Trump to FIFA President Gianni Infantino. The decision was made by FIFA’s ethics committee but has not been publicly documented.

What could happen if FIFA refuses to release the documents?

FIFA could face further criticism from national associations, UEFA, and the public, potentially damaging its reputation and affecting the UK’s bid for the 2035 Women’s World Cup.