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 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.

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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.

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