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CONMEBOL criticizes FIFA's unilateral actions, signals support for Infantino against UEFA
🇵🇾 Paraguay /Sports

CONMEBOL criticizes FIFA's unilateral actions, signals support for Infantino against UEFA

From ABC Color · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • CONMEBOL criticized FIFA's unilateral actions regarding private investment in World Cups.
  • The South American football body also signaled support for FIFA President Gianni Infantino against UEFA's opposition.
  • FIFA apologized for errors in the FIFA Forward Enterprise plan after its leak to the media.

CONMEBOL has issued a strong statement criticizing FIFA's "repeated unilateral actions" and lack of dialogue concerning private investment in football competitions. The South American football confederation celebrated the withdrawal of FIFA's plan to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors. This move comes after FIFA President Gianni Infantino apologized for the failed FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) plan, acknowledging that errors were made after the proposal was leaked.

Expresses concern over the repeated unilateral actions taken without resorting to dialogue or the institutional mechanisms provided for handling such situations.

— CONMEBOLCONMEBOL's official statement criticizing FIFA's approach to private investment.

CONMEBOL emphasized its commitment to institutional strength, transparency, and good governance, principles it believes were undermined by FIFA's approach. "When these principles are set aside, football loses and we all lose," the organization stated, urging leaders to prioritize dialogue and respect for rules.

More than ten years ago, FIFA initiated a profound reform of its Statutes with the purpose of strengthening institutionalism, transparency, and good governance, establishing clear procedures and specific mechanisms to resolve controversies, guaranteeing due process and respect for the rules governing our organization.

— CONMEBOLCONMEBOL's statement referencing FIFA's own statutes on institutional procedures.

However, CONMEBOL's statement also carries a clear message of support for Infantino, directly challenging UEFA's efforts to remove him from his position. UEFA reportedly seeks Infantino's departure, but CONMEBOL's stance suggests a backing of the FIFA president as he seeks re-election in 2027. This dual message highlights a complex political landscape within international football governance.

That institutional framework constitutes a guarantee for everyone. Therefore, those who have the responsibility to lead our organizations must always prioritize dialogue, respect for the rules, and constructive exchange. When these principles are set aside, football loses and we all lose.

— CONMEBOLCONMEBOL's statement on the importance of institutional principles in football governance.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Color in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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