The Asian Football Confederation has joined UEFA and CONCACAF in opposing FIFA’s proposal to sell stakes in its competitions to private investors, dealing a fresh setback to the governing body’s controversial commercial plans.
In a statement released on Friday, the AFC said it “stands in solidarity” with UEFA and Concacaf, arguing that FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s proposal could not “realistically achieve the necessary broad consensus and unity required to move forward.”
“The FIFA World Cup is the pinnacle of global football and derives its strength from the participation of all confederations and the world’s leading football nations,” the AFC said.
“Any proposal that risks undermining the unity and universal character of the competition must be reconsidered.”
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The AFC’s stance significantly weakens the likelihood of the proposal being approved should it be put to a vote.
Infantino has indicated that the plan would require a simple majority to pass, meaning at least 106 of FIFA’s 211 member associations would need to vote in favour. UEFA and Concacaf together account for 90 votes, while the AFC represents 46 member associations.
The Asian governing body also criticised FIFA for failing to properly consult stakeholders before unveiling the proposal.
The Asian Football Confederation has joined UEFA and CONCACAF in opposing FIFA’s proposal to sell stakes in its competitions to private investors, dealing a fresh setback to the governing body’s controversial commercial plans.
In a statement released on Friday, the AFC said it “stands in solidarity” with UEFA and Concacaf, arguing that FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s proposal could not “realistically achieve the necessary broad consensus and unity required to move forward.”
“The FIFA World Cup is the pinnacle of global football and derives its strength from the participation of all confederations and the world’s leading football nations,” the AFC said.
“Any proposal that risks undermining the unity and universal character of the competition must be reconsidered.”
The AFC’s stance significantly weakens the likelihood of the proposal being approved should it be put to a vote.
Infantino has indicated that the plan would require a simple majority to pass, meaning at least 106 of FIFA’s 211 member associations would need to vote in favour. UEFA and Concacaf together account for 90 votes, while the AFC represents 46 member associations.
The Asian governing body also criticised FIFA for failing to properly consult stakeholders before unveiling the proposal.
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