FIFA's private investment plan faces growing opposition, key advisor resigns

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has called on FIFA to reconsider its controversial plan to allow private investment, joining a chorus of rejection from UEFA and CONCACAF. The AFC's statement on Friday highlighted the "unprecedented divisions" within football, suggesting the proposed FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) cannot achieve the necessary consensus.

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Selling a permanent stake in football's most prized asset to raise $4.2 billion makes no sense. It is mortgaging football's future without a compelling justification.

Carlos Cordeiro, a key advisor to FIFA President Gianni Infantino, resigned over the plan, calling it "nonsensical" to "mortgage football's future" for $4.2 billion. UEFA, representing 55 European federations, has unanimously threatened to boycott FIFA competitions, including the World Cup, if the project proceeds. CONCACAF, with 41 federations, also rejected the proposal outright.

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Given the position expressed by UEFA and CONCACAF, in addition to the unprecedented divisions that have appeared in the world of football, the AFC considers that the proposed FFE cannot realistically achieve the broad consensus and unity necessary to move forward.

The AFC, while not directly opposing the FFE, supports UEFA and CONCACAF's stance to "protect the World Cup." The confederation also pointed out that the project exposed "fundamental weaknesses in FIFA's consultation and decision-making process," urging an urgent review of its governance framework.

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No one is selling football. This is something FIFA would never contemplate.

FIFA, which surprised many with the plan's announcement on Tuesday, has attempted to quell the backlash. A statement insisted, "No one is selling football," and that FIFA would "never contemplate" such a move. The organization acknowledged and respected the expressed concerns, promising an "open and democratic consultation" for all federations to make informed decisions based on facts, while lamenting "inaccurate information published in the media."

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FIFA recognizes and respects the opinions and concerns expressed publicly and we reaffirm our commitment to organize an open and democratic consultation.