The Asian Football Confederation, AFC, has declared it “stands in solidarity” with UEFA and CONCACAF in opposition to FIFA’s plan to sell stakes in its competitions to private investors.
In a statement on Friday, the AFC said FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s proposal could not “realistically achieve the necessary broad consensus and unity required to move forward”.
“The FIFA World Cup is the pinnacle of global football and derives its strength from the participation of all Confederations and the world’s leading football nations,” it said.
“Any proposal that risks undermining the unity and universal character of the competition must be reconsidered.”
With the AFC’s opposition, Infantino’s plan now looks unlikely to pass a vote of FIFA’s 211 members. A straight majority of 106 votes is needed. UEFA and CONCACAF members control 90 votes combined, while Asia has 46.
The AFC also accused FIFA of setting the “direction of travel” for a “significant initiative” without consulting stakeholders.
It said FIFA’s failure to engage member associations had “exposed fundamental weaknesses in FIFA’s consultation and decision-making processes that must now be addressed”.
The confederation further criticised FIFA for leaving “Confederations, Member Associations and even FIFA’s own governing bodies, including the FIFA Council, feeling sidelined.”
“The AFC calls upon FIFA to undertake an urgent review of its governance and decision-making framework to ensure that proposals of global significance are developed through proper consultation, meaningful engagement and appropriate oversight by FIFA’s statutory bodies,” the statement added.
AFC Joins UEFA and CONCACAF in Rejecting FIFA Investment Proposal
