PARIS (AFP) -- FIFA President Gianni Infantino on Monday proposed consulting member associations on reforming the world soccer governing body's decision-making process, according to a letter sent to FIFA's 211 member associations and seen by Agence France-Presse.
"I will propose that the Council establish a direct, structured and time-limited consultation with confederations, Member Associations and relevant stakeholders on how FIFA's decision-making can be further strengthened," Infantino wrote.
The 56-year-old Swiss has faced criticism since abandoning a plan to bring private investment into the men's and women's World Cups.
"The consultation would invite specific proposals on earlier institutional involvement, the respective roles of the President, the Bureau, the Council and the Congress, and practical ways to strengthen transparency, participation and accountability in major strategic initiatives," the letter said.
Infantino asked for initial proposals to be considered at the FIFA Council meeting scheduled for Oct. 15.
Infantino replaced Sepp Blatter as FIFA president in 2016. He has faced mounting pressure since proposals were announced in late July to create a commercial subsidiary to run FIFA's biggest events, including the World Cup and Club World Cup.
The plan would have allowed private investors to acquire stakes in a company created under the FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) initiative. The backlash prompted FIFA to quickly shelve the proposal.
European soccer governing body UEFA threatened to boycott FIFA competitions. It later suspended the threat but has urged Infantino to resign and has been preparing possible legal action against him over alleged "criminal mismanagement."
Infantino addressed FFE in his letter Monday, writing that "FIFA's democratic processes, independence and sporting authority were never for sale."
The plan also "did not involve relinquishing FIFA's control or authority over sporting decisions," he said.
He also lamented that the proposal "entered the public domain before FIFA's planned institutional process had been completed and before it could be presented in full to the Council and the Member Associations."
"I recognize that, without the full context, this caused concern and created the impression that decisions had already been taken. They had not," Infantino added.
"Major ideas must be developed, tested and communicated through clear and trusted institutions. That is a responsibility I take seriously."
UEFA, along with North American body CONCACAF and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), issued a strongly worded joint letter against Infantino in August.
"Leadership in football is not a possession. It is not about holding -- or demanding -- power to be held," they wrote.
Infantino has also received support. Saudi Arabia, host of the 2034 World Cup, backed him last month, while African soccer governing body CAF and South America's CONMEBOL have also expressed support.
FIFA confirmed earlier this month that Infantino will seek re-election as president next March.
He is currently the only candidate, although CONCACAF President Victor Montagliani is widely regarded as a potential challenger.
Nominations for next year's election must be submitted by Nov. 18.
