AFC & CONCACAF respond to FIFA's new investment plan for World Cup

AFC and CONCACAF voice concerns over FIFA’s proposed World Cup investment model

FIFA’s controversial proposal to sell stakes in a $20 billion commercial subsidiary has sparked widespread criticism from football’s regional confederations, which claim they were blindsided by the governing body’s plans to bring private investors into the sport.

Now, Gianni Infantino has given FIFA’s 211 member federations until September 19 to decide whether to accept a one-time $20 million payment backed by an investment firm linked to Jared Kushner’s brother, as part of the governing body’s proposal to sell stakes in its World Cup commercial subsidiary.

After statements from UEFA and reports suggesting that they will boycott future tournaments if FIFA sells stakes to private investors. Now, AFC & Concacaf have released statements regarding the ongoing situation.

AFC says “not consulted”

“The AFC was not consulted on the proposal and is disappointed that a matter of such significance entered the public domain before the AFC family had been afforded the opportunity to examine and discuss it through the appropriate and established governance channels.

While the AFC recognises the importance of exploring innovative approaches that can strengthen the future of global football, initiatives of this scale and consequence must be founded upon the principles of good governance, transparency and meaningful consultation. Decisions that may reshape the commercial and financial future of the game require comprehensive prior engagement with Confederations, Member Associations and other relevant stakeholders before any proposal is made to the appropriate decision-making body(ies).

The AFC firmly believes that all stakeholders should be provided with sufficient information and adequate time to assess the proposal in full, including its governance, legal, commercial and strategic implications. Such a process is essential to ensuring that any decision reflects the collective interests of the global football community and reinforces confidence in FIFA’s governance framework.

As one of global football’s six Confederations, the AFC remains committed to the continued growth of world football.”

Concacaf statement on the proposed FIFA Forward Enterprise

“Concacaf was only made aware of this matter through media reports and, subsequently, via a media release.

“We are deeply concerned by the lack of due process.

“We share the disappointment of many within our region and the game that this level of detail has been designed and shared publicly before any discussion with the relevant governance bodies and stakeholders has taken place.

“As leaders within football, we are the custodians of the game. Collectively, FIFA, the Confederations and every Member Association have a responsibility to always act in the best interests of the sport. Every decision we make must be guided by good governance, robust processes and long-term stewardship.

“This is the framework within which Concacaf operates. We trust that all within the FIFA family will act in the same manner.”

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