AFC join UEFA and CONCACAF in opposing FIFA's World Cup plan | OneFootball

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has joined UEFA and CONCACAF in opposing FIFA's proposed sale of stakes in its competitions to private investors, piling further pressure on plans backed by FIFA president Gianni Infantino.

In a statement released on Friday, the AFC said it "stands in solidarity" with UEFA and CONCACAF, warning the proposals 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," the AFC said. "Any proposal that risks undermining the unity and universal character of the competition must be reconsidered."

The latest intervention leaves FIFA facing opposition from three of its six continental confederations, making it increasingly unlikely the proposal would secure the support needed if put to a vote.

The AFC also criticised FIFA's handling of the process, saying member associations had not been properly consulted before the governing body set the "direction of travel" on such a significant initiative.

It said the process had exposed "fundamental weaknesses" in FIFA's governance, with confederations, member associations and even the FIFA Council feeling "sidelined".

The confederation called on FIFA to urgently review its decision-making framework to ensure future proposals are developed through "proper consultation, meaningful engagement and appropriate oversight".

FIFA said on Thursday it respected the concerns raised by stakeholders and remained committed to an "open and democratic consultation process", while arguing that inaccurate media reports had disrupted its planned discussions with confederations and member associations.

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