Čeferin gains a new ally, a third continent now opposes Infantino

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has joined European (UEFA) and North/Central American (CONCACAF) football bodies in expressing strong opposition to FIFA's controversial plan to introduce private investors into the management of major football competitions. This move intensifies pressure on FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

The AFC, representing 47 member nations including Australia, Japan, China, and Saudi Arabia, stated its solidarity with UEFA and CONCACAF. The confederation voiced "serious concern" over FIFA's proposal to establish a subsidiary, FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), intended to attract more than $4 billion in fresh capital. The AFC criticized FIFA's approach, citing a lack of consultation and transparency, and called for more inclusive and democratic decision-making processes.

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AFC expresses solidarity with UEFA and CONCACAF and expresses serious concern regarding FIFA's proposal to involve private investors in its most important competitions.

While the AFC has not yet committed to a boycott, it issued a stern warning about the potential repercussions. "The fact that the situation has reached a point where a real possibility of boycotting the World Cup has emerged in public discussion should worry everyone who cares about the future of our sport," the AFC stated. AFC President Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa deemed FIFA's method of presenting the plan unacceptable.

Collectively, UEFA, CONCACAF, and AFC represent 143 of FIFA's 211 member associations. UEFA, led by Aleksander Čeferin, has threatened a boycott of all FIFA competitions if the plan is not abandoned. FIFA, however, has indicated it will proceed with an "open and democratic" consultation process, acknowledging the concerns raised by the confederations and suggesting that any changes will be made through an open process.

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The fact that the situation has reached a point where a real possibility of boycotting the World Cup has emerged in public discussion should worry everyone who cares about the future of our sport.