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.
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