Gianni Infantino vows to do ‘what is right for the game’ amid calls for Fifa chief to quit

Following a promise to launch an independent review of Fifa’s governance, president Gianni Infantino has stated he has "never been more determined and committed" to doing "what is right for the game". Infantino has come under intense scrutiny, notably from European governing body Uefa, after details of a proposed private investment vehicle to manage the World Cup and other tournaments were disclosed by The Times in July. Through US court petitions, Uefa is demanding access to files relating to the deal. It could potentially file a criminal complaint in Switzerland should evidence show Infantino undervalued the commercial entity at $20 billion. Although Fifa has branded the legal actions by Uefa as a "smear campaign", Infantino responded with promises to reform the governing body's internal structures. However, these commitments have done little to reassure critics seeking clarity regarding the investment proposal alongside Fifa's management of the Folarin Balogun case. UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin (left) and FIFA president Gianni Infantino (Nick Potts/PA) (PA Wire) Posting on Instagram, the Swiss executive said: "There must be a culture of dialogue, of listening to each other and respecting one another. "This is not about generating positive headlines, it is about doing what is right for the game. I have never been more determined and committed in doing that." Football Association chair Debbie Hewitt, who serves as a Fifa vice-president and sits on the Fifa Council, has written to Infantino demanding the disclosure of files concerning both the investment plan and the Balogun matter. She plans to confront him directly during the upcoming Fifa Council meeting in Zurich on 15 October. In addition, Infantino has been faulted for "woefully inadequate" levels of co-operation with an investigation by democratic members of the United States House Judiciary Committee examining his ties to US president Donald Trump. His social media message urging open communication was published from Jeddah during discussions with senior Saudi figures. The Saudi Arabian federation, alongside Qatar, has positioned itself as a crucial backer for Infantino as he seeks to retain leadership and win a fourth term in next year's election. Meanwhile, Uefa has vowed to present a credible challenger prior to the submission deadline for candidacies on 18 November.