Asian confederation joined UEFA and CONCACAF in rejecting FIFA’s World Cup sell-off plan before Infantino’s U-turn | OneFootball

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) were the last to join UEFA and CONCACAF in the revolt against FIFA’s plan to sell the World Cup before the proposal was abandoned (talkSPORT)

The AFC’s announcement piled more pressure on FIFA as they vehemently opposed plans to allow private investment in the biggest tournaments, including the World Cup and Club World Cup.

Championed by FIFA president Gianni Infantino, the proposal involved creating a new entity known as FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE). 

The plan was designed to allow outside investors to buy stakes in FIFA’s most valuable competitions. If it went through, it would have been one of the biggest commercial changes in international football history.

Infantino has been touted as the next commissioner of the FFE once his current role as FIFA president ends in 2031, provided he secures another term. 

The role has been linked to the potential for a highly lucrative salary, but the proposal has sparked strong opposition across the football world. 

UEFA had already indicated that its member associations would boycott FIFA competitions if the plan moves forward, while CONCACAF also rejected the idea.

The AFC then added to the growing criticism, urging FIFA to reconsider its actions.

The statement read: “The AFC stands in solidarity with UEFA and CONCACAF in expressing serious concerns over FIFA’s proposal to introduce private investment into FIFA’s flagship competitions and the decision-making process around FFE.

“The fact that the situation has reached the point where the real possibility of a FIFA World Cup boycott has entered public discourse should concern everyone who cares about the future of our game. 

“Football should never have been placed in such a position.”

Despite the growing criticism, FIFA initially defended its position. 

The organisation dismissed what it described as ‘incorrect media reports’ and claimed they had disrupted the consultation process surrounding the proposal.

However, resistance from three of the world’s major football confederations ultimately forced investors to withdraw their proposal.