Asian Football Confederation joins UEFA, CONCACAF to reject Gianni Infantino’s plans to sell stake in FIFA
The Asian Football Confederation has joined UEFA and the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) to reject a plan by FIFA to sell a stake in the World Cup and other FIFA-organised competitions to private investors.
In a statement released on Friday, the confederation expressed deep concern about FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s plans to sell the World Cup, noting that it stands in solidarity with both UEFA and CONCACAF, which have both condemned the proposal, with the former agreeing to boycott FIFA competitions until the decision is reversed.
“The AFC stands in solidarity with UEFA and CONCACAF in expressing serious concerns over FIFA’s proposal to introduce private investment into FIFA’s flagship competitions and the decision-making process around FFE.
“The fact that the situation has reached the point where the real possibility of a FIFA World Cup boycott has entered public discourse should concern everyone who cares about the future of our game. Football should never have been placed in such a position,” the confederation stated.
Speaking further, the AFC stated that the World Cup is the highest level of sporting competition globally and any decision that could disrupt the foundation of the tournament must be reconsidered by FIFA.
The AFC said, “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. Any proposal that risks undermining the unity and universal character of the competition must be reconsidered.
“The primary objective for world football must be to ensure that decisions of such magnitude are being developed through processes that are anchored on transparency and command the confidence of the football community.”
Meanwhile, FIFA said in a statement on Friday that it acknowledged the feedback from confederations regarding the investment proposal but maintained that it would proceed with the process and allow each of FIFA’s 211 member associations to make their own decisions.
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
Africa
African leaders push greater collaboration on women’s empowerment
Stakeholders urged stronger collaboration among African countries to advance women’s rights.
Economy
FG rolls out plan to strengthen power supply
Mr Tegbe said priority projects include a nationwide technical audit of the transmission network and harmonisation of federal and state electricity regulations.
World
EU to begin wider enforcement of AI act from August 2
The European Commission said the latest phase of implementation would require systems such as chatbots to inform users when they are interacting with AI instead of a human.
States
Flood Disaster: FG, partners stage simulation in Cross River
Zubaida Umar, NEMA DG, said the exercise demonstrated the coordinated actions required before, during, and after flooding to minimise loss of lives, livelihoods, and property.
Agriculture
NADF, NBS partner on agriculture data
The partnership aims to support evidence-based financing, policymaking and investment in Nigeria’s agriculture sector.
World
32 killed in Pakistan coal mine explosion
Pakistani authorities said 36 miners were working in the affected section when the blast happened, while over 40 workers were inside the mine complex at the time of the incident.
