AFC joins Uefa and Concacaf in opposing Fifa plan

What the report says

Nile Post, carrying a BBC Sport report, says the Asian Football Confederation has aligned with Uefa and Concacaf in opposing Fifa president Gianni Infantino’s proposal to open parts of Fifa’s competitions business to private investment. In a statement published Friday, the AFC said the plan was unlikely to secure the broad agreement and unity needed to proceed, warning that the World Cup’s global character depends on participation across all confederations.

The dispute centres on Fifa’s proposal to create a commercial subsidiary to manage major events, including World Cups, with outside investors able to buy stakes. Fifa has argued that the arrangement would not compromise the sport’s governance or spirit, and said concerns had been fuelled by inaccurate media reporting. It also insisted that “nobody is selling football,” according to the report.

The AFC’s position adds significant pressure on Fifa because Uefa and Concacaf together represent 90 of Fifa’s 211 member associations, while Asia has 46. Infantino had indicated that a straight majority of 106 votes would be needed for approval if the matter went to a vote. Uefa has reportedly voted to boycott World Cups if the plan proceeds, while Concacaf’s 41 member associations have rejected the proposal.

The AFC also criticised Fifa’s consultation process, saying confederations, national associations and even Fifa bodies such as the Fifa Council had been left sidelined. It called for an urgent review of Fifa’s governance and decision-making systems. Conmebol has not publicly commented, while CAF and the Oceania Football Confederation are expected to discuss the proposal in August.