On Air Now

Mark O'Sullivan

3:00pm - 7:00pm

FA chair calls for release of files on Gianni Infantino's controversial World Cup sell-off plan

England's FIFA vice president has called for an independent review into Gianni Infantino’s attempt to sell off the World Cup and asked him to release all documents on the Folarin Balogun red-card controversy, Sky News understands.

The letter to FIFA from FA chair Debbie Hewitt is increasing the pressure on Mr Infantino by asking for transparency on the scandals before the next FIFA Council meeting in mid-October.

Mr Infantino is fighting to be re-elected next year - rallying support particularly in Africa, Asia and South America - to fend off the calls for him to go, coming mostly coming from Europe.

Critics are bringing the focus back to whether Mr Infantino tried to sell off the World Cup on the cheap by valuing a planned venture at $20bn (£15bn) when FIFA boasted to members the last tournament cycle raised around $15bn (£11.2bn).

Ms Hewitt has also asked Mr Infantino for a full independent review of the scandals.

FIFA has never released the evidence on how that valuation was reached and UEFA is exploring bringing a case against him for criminal mismanagement by undervaluing the World Cups for personal benefit.

Mr Infantino has denied wrongdoing generally over the scheme but declined questions on it when approached by Sky News.

Read more from Sky News:
Kushner's brother on World Cup sell-off
Call for summit to shape post-Infantino FIFA

FIFA committed to conducting its own review into the abandoned venture but that is not acceptable to some - including Ms Hewitt.

The Times broke the news of her letter to FIFA's leadership asking for an independent review.

She also brings it back to the Balogun row and FIFA's lack of explanation for why it took the unusual step of lifting the American striker's ban at the World Cup after US President Donald Trump called Mr Infantino.

This breaking news story is being updated and more details will be published shortly.

Please refresh the page for the fullest version.

You can receive breaking news alerts on a smartphone or tablet via the Sky News app. You can also follow us on WhatsApp and subscribe to our YouTube channel to keep up with the latest news.

Sky News

(c) Sky News 2026: FA chair calls for release of files on Gianni Infantino's controversial World Cup sell-off plan

More from National News

On Air Now and Next

  • Mark O'Sullivan

    3:00pm - 7:00pm

    Mark gets you home with the latest travel.

  • Dave Shepherd

    7:00pm - Midnight

    Dave has the perfect playlist for your evening.

Recently Played

Follow us on Social Media