1) Split the governing body up

Can one body that stages the largest global sports event also dictate regulations for the whole sport? The recent World Cup exposed the clash when Fifa ignored its own guidelines on suspension lengths and half-time breaks to boost event interest. An insider familiar with Fifa operations states: "They have bent rules for profit. This creates a clear conflict. The commercial side must separate from regulation, along with development and other areas."

Miguel Maduro, ex-chair of Fifa's governance committee and now a vocal critic, argues separate corporate units under one roof would foster distinct goals. "A firm barrier must exist between them with varied incentives," he notes. "Commercial maximizers cannot rely on regulatory decisions, and regulators must ignore profit motives."

One source adds that Infantino's scrapped Fifa Forward Enterprise plan would have achieved separation, yet for misguided aims.

2) Introduce external regulation

The driest term in sport may prove vital to ensure a reformed Fifa, free from oversight except courts, adheres to updated standards. "Reform must come externally, not internally," Maduro explains. He and fellow critics favor a Wada-style global body to enforce governance rules on sports groups.

"Football's vast funds could easily support it," observes a Fifa analyst. The key lies in its founding body. "The EU could launch it," Maduro suggests. "Nations like the UK might join, evolving into a worldwide sports agency focused on ethics and compliance."

Uefa has edged toward Brussels while protesting the FFE plan, and the European Leagues urged the European Commission to act on Infantino's World Cup expansion to 64 teams, citing fair competition and EU court principles.

3) Defang the president

The FFE episode, devised solely within Infantino's circle, reveals excessive presidential authority. "The president was never meant to run administration, yet gained control," Maduro says. "The council was to oversee the president on major calls outside congress, but failed. Political checks and balances are essential."

One fix removes the president's funding power. Governance expert Mark Pieth recalls a Uefa president proposal for rotating leadership among Fifa's six confederation heads. "It is reasonable," Pieth states. "My Swiss homeland rotates seven ministers yearly as president in fixed order, preventing power concentration. A Fifa president needs little authority beyond coordination."

4) Greater transparency

Campaigners seeking Fifa accountability on human rights face ongoing barriers from opaque decisions and appeals. Spending on member associations also lacks clarity. Fair Square director Nick McGeehan notes: "Where are the audited accounts? Fifa's development budget rivals major agencies, yet no needs assessment guides distribution and audits are absent. Website data shows spending but verification is impossible."

McGeehan adds that better transparency requires more media engagement. "Infantino holds press events once every four years," he observes. "This mirrors authoritarian media distrust and reduces openness."

5) Rethink development

Infantino often repeats that Fifa reinvests profits in football. After this World Cup's $15bn haul, each member gets $8m from 2027 to 2030. Yet spending scrutiny is weak and allocation flawed. "One country, one vote pairs with equal payouts," the analyst says. "Funds track votes, not needs, so small nations like Montserrat receive the same as Nigeria or India. No tweaks occurred."

Without needs-based or strategic distribution, Fifa harms its goals. "Football has grown more Eurocentric over 20 years," the critic adds. "World Cup growth is simple but often harms grassroots and technical work as associations fund only men's teams and European coaches."

6) Switch the electorate

Steady payments sustain Infantino's support among 211 member heads. Altering voters could improve governance. A senior figure notes few at Fifa meetings have playing, coaching or club experience. The male-dominated electorate clashes with reality, and fans remain excluded. Consultant Ashish Prashar urges confederations to form an entity emphasizing fan ownership and public input on World Cup decisions via groups or elections.

Maduro believes a new electorate enables progress. "Voting blocs now grant tight control," he says. "Fresh representation mechanisms must include absent voices. A diverse electorate naturally builds checks that improve decisions for football and stakeholders."

Fifa was approached for comment.