DFB Vice Oke Göttlich urges governance overhaul of FIFA and UEFA

DFB vice‑president Oke Göttlich praised UEFA’s firm opposition to FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s plan to create a new commercial arm, FIFA Forward Enterprise, and to sell part of the World Cup’s commercial rights for a potential billion‑dollar revenue. Göttlich said the resistance from UEFA, as well as criticism from CONCACAF and the Asian Football Confederation, signals a needed shift toward stronger governance structures across FIFA, UEFA and national associations.

He called for the football bodies – global, continental and national – to improve governance and address human‑rights issues before major tournaments, citing the upcoming World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Göttlich, who also leads second‑division club FC St. Pauli, hopes the current push will trigger broader reforms within the sport’s hierarchy.