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UEFA, Concacaf, and AFC have accused FIFA of a “fundamental breach of trust” over its controversial World Cup commercial plan.
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The three confederations have called for an independent review of the proposal to sell a stake in FIFA’s tournament operations.
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The backlash has intensified pressure on FIFA president Gianni Infantino ahead of next year’s election.
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The confederations have reportedly held preliminary talks about organising competitions independently amid the crisis.
August 10, (THEWILL) — The Union of European Football Associations(UEFA), the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF), and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) have launched a strong attack on FIFA’s handling of a controversial proposal to sell a stake in the commercial and operational side of the World Cup.
It accused football’s governing body of a “fundamental breach of trust” and “deception.”
In a joint open letter to the football community released on Monday, the three confederations questioned the leadership of FIFA president Gianni Infantino and criticised the process through which the proposed FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) was developed. .
They argued that the plan was pushed forward without adequate consultation with the wider football community and raised serious concerns about the governance of the sport.
The proposed FFE structure would have overseen the commercial and operational aspects of FIFA’s major competitions, with plans reportedly involving the sale of around 20 per cent of the company to private investors.
Infantino has since apologised for the proposal following widespread opposition, but UEFA, Concacaf, and AFC believe the issue requires a much deeper investigation.
READ ALSO: AFC Rejects Infantino’s Investment Plan, Joins UEFA And CONCACAF In Opposition
The three confederations have called for a fully independent review of the circumstances surrounding the proposal, arguing that FIFA itself should not be responsible for investigating a controversy involving its own administration.
They criticised the speed at which the proposal was developed and claimed that member associations were not given sufficient time to examine its implications before key deadlines were set.
According to the confederations, the issue goes beyond a simple procedural mistake and represents a serious failure of leadership and accountability.
The statement also warned that football leadership should be based on service to the wider game rather than the concentration of power in the hands of individuals.
Infantino Under Increasing Pressure
The latest development represents another major challenge for Infantino, who has faced growing criticism over his leadership in recent weeks.
While the joint statement did not explicitly call for his resignation, reports indicate that UEFA, CONCACAF, and AFC have held discussions about allowing the FIFA president to step down before next year’s election.
READ ALSO: Three More Countries Turn Against Infantino After FIFA’s $4.2bn Plan Collapses
The three confederations are also reportedly exploring ways to protect their competitions and provide meaningful opportunities for players should the dispute with FIFA escalate.
UEFA has previously threatened a boycott of FIFA competitions, while the latest discussions with Concacaf and AFC suggest that the crisis could have wider consequences for international football.
The confederations insist that their actions are intended to protect the interests of the game rather than create further division.
Olumide Atiba is a sports journalist with THEWILL, known for his keen news sense and compelling storytelling. He has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, well-structured reports that resonate with readers, with a strong focus on football coverage
