FIFA crisis: South American confederation concerned by 'repeated unilateral actions' from Gianni Infantino

The South American Football Confederation (Conmebol) has expressed its "concern over repeated unilateral actions" by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, while simultaneously welcoming FIFA's decision to retract a controversial project that would have opened the door to private investors. The statement comes amid a crisis in global football governance.

Conmebol, representing ten member federations, lamented that football has shifted from being the focus of global attention due to an extraordinary sporting event, the World Cup, to issues concerning its governance. The confederation, whose president Alejandro Dominguez is generally seen as an ally of Infantino, criticized "repeated unilateral actions, adopted without resorting to dialogue or the institutional mechanisms provided for handling such situations," referring to the now-abandoned FIFA Forward Enhancement (FFE) project.

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in the space of a few days, football has gone from being the focus of world attention thanks to the holding of an extraordinary sporting event (the World Cup, editor's note) to (...) issues related to its governance.

In a rare instance of distancing itself from FIFA's leadership, Conmebol, which held its council meeting on Thursday, reminded that "those who have the responsibility to lead our organizations must always prioritize dialogue, respect for norms, and constructive exchange." The institution warned, "When these principles are abandoned, it is football that loses, and we all lose."

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repeated unilateral actions, adopted without resorting to dialogue or the institutional mechanisms provided for handling such situations.

The statement concluded with a call to "preserve the unity of the football family, act with institutional responsibility, strengthen dialogue, and fully respect the governance mechanisms." Previously, when FIFA presented the FFE project, Conmebol had reacted cautiously, requesting additional information and clarifications from FIFA, unlike some other confederations that outright rejected it.

The crisis highlights tensions within FIFA's governance structure, with Conmebol emphasizing the importance of collaborative decision-making and adherence to established procedures to maintain the integrity and unity of the sport.

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When these principles are abandoned, it is football that loses, and we all lose.