Key Takeaways:
- The Asian Football Confederation announced on Friday its solidarity with Uefa and Concacaf in rejecting Fifa’s proposal to sell stakes in its competitions to private investors
- With opposition from AFC, Uefa, and Concacaf, Fifa president Gianni Infantino’s plan is unlikely to gain the required support of 106 votes for approval
- Concacaf and Uefa have publicly rejected the proposal, while member associations from South America, Africa, and Oceania are yet to reach a verdict
United Front Against Fifa’s Commercial Plans
The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has officially declared its opposition to Fifa president Gianni Infantino’s plan to sell stakes in the organisation’s competitions to external investors. In a statement released on Friday, AFC emphasised its position alongside both Uefa and Concacaf – the football governing bodies for Europe and North, Central America, and the Caribbean – stating that it “stands in solidarity” with them against the proposal.
AFC’s statement expressed that Infantino’s initiative is unlikely to “realistically achieve the necessary broad consensus and unity required to move forward”. The AFC also underlined the importance of preserving the unity and inclusive nature of the Fifa World Cup, remarking that, “Any proposal that risks undermining the unity and universal character of the competition must be reconsidered.”
AFC stands in solidarity with UEFA and CONCACAF following recent developments surrounding the proposed establishment of FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE).https://t.co/k7MjAvWOhX
— AFC (@theafcdotcom) July 31, 2026
Majority Opposition Could Stall Fifa’s Proposal
Opposition from AFC, combined with Uefa and Concacaf, presents a considerable hurdle for Infantino’s plan. Under Fifa’s voting system, any such proposal requires a simple majority of 106 out of its 211 members. Collectively, Uefa and Concacaf command 90 votes, with the Asian Football Confederation holding 46 additional votes. This consolidated resistance makes it highly improbable for the plan to pass if put to a vote.
| Confederation | Number of Member Votes | Position |
|---|---|---|
| Uefa | 55 | Opposed |
| Concacaf | 41 | Opposed |
| AFC | 46 | Opposed |
| Others (CAF, Conmebol, OFC) | 69 | Yet to state position or pending |
Concerns Over Consultation and Governance
In its statement, AFC criticised Fifa for defining the direction of such a “significant initiative” prior to engaging in comprehensive consultation with stakeholders. The confederation argued this has “exposed fundamental weaknesses in Fifa’s consultation and decision-making processes that must now be addressed”. AFC also noted that several governing bodies, including the Fifa Council itself, as well as confederations and member associations, have been left feeling marginalised.
AFC urged Fifa to conduct an immediate review of its governance and decision-making structure to ensure that future significant proposals are developed through robust consultation, active engagement, and suitable oversight by Fifa’s statutory bodies.
Global Reactions and Next Steps
On Thursday, Uefa voted to boycott future World Cups if Fifa proceeds with the current investment plan. Similarly, Concacaf’s 41 member associations have unanimously rejected the proposal. In response to the widespread pushback, Fifa issued a statement on Friday asserting its intention to continue with the plan and clarifying that “nobody is selling football”. According to Fifa, the consultation process has been “disrupted by incorrect media reports”.
