England FA chief Hewitt presses Infantino on World Cup plan disclosure

Hewitt, who also serves as FIFA vice-president, has formally sought clarification from Infantino on both matters, according to sources familiar with the correspondence confirmed on Thursday. The letter marks a significant move by England's football leadership to pressure FIFA into greater transparency regarding the abandoned World Cup initiative and the disciplinary action against Balogun.

The FA's request for material related to Infantino's World Cup investment plan comes amid ongoing scrutiny of FIFA's decision-making processes. The proposal, which Infantino subsequently abandoned, had drawn considerable attention from football administrators and stakeholders across multiple continents.

Balogun's suspension remains a contentious issue for the FA. The striker, who represents the United States internationally, has been subject to FIFA restrictions that the English FA believes warrant review and potential lifting. Hewitt's intervention signals the FA's determination to challenge what it views as an unjust disciplinary measure affecting one of American football's prominent figures.

The correspondence underscores rising tensions between major football federations and FIFA's central administration over governance and transparency standards. Hewitt's dual position as both FA chair and FIFA vice-president adds particular weight to her formal request, which seeks documented evidence and potential reversal of earlier decisions.