Power Must Answer Before It Is Renewed

A leader approaches the end of a term, contract or delegated mandate. Important questions remain unanswered. Some concern consultation, money, conflict, performance or the use of authority. Supporters argue that the institution should move forward, complete the election and address the questions later. Critics treat every unresolved question as proof that the leader must leave.

Both responses can avoid the real governing task. A question is not a finding, and an allegation is not a verdict. Yet renewal is also not an administrative pause during which accountability can be deferred without consequence. Once power is extended, the evidence, incentives and available choices may change.

Power must answer before it is renewed. Legitimate authority does not require every critic to be satisfied, but it does require material questions to reach competent evidence, a responsible answer and the authorised decision maker while the decision remains genuinely open.

On 20 October 2026, Reuters reported that UEFA had sent FIFA a letter seeking answers about the presidency of Gianni Infantino, including questions concerning the now-abandoned FIFA Forward Enterprise proposal and the FIFA Peace Prize. British media reported that the letter contained 42 questions across 12 topics and requested answers by 2 November. Infantino is expected to seek re-election in March 2027, while nominations are due by 18 November. Reuters, 20 October

Reuters had not seen the letter, and UEFA…