Fifa president Gianni Infantino has proposed an independent external review of the organisation’s governance after backlash over an abandoned plan to sell a 20% stake in its commercial rights. The review would examine who should approve major strategic initiatives and aim to improve transparency and accountability.

Infantino said the investment proposal was only exploratory, required approval and had been withdrawn after it caused concern among Fifa members and football confederations. Suggestions on governance could be discussed at the council’s 15 October meeting, while any changes to Fifa’s statutes would require approval by congress; Infantino also pledged that associations’ positions would not affect their treatment or funding.