UEFA lost confidence in Gianni Infantino despite withdrawing its private investment plan

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has raised concerns over President Gianni Infantino’s proposal to allow private investors to participate in the commercial rights of the FIFA World Cup. The initiative, which aims to open up the tournament's revenue streams to private capital, was disclosed publicly before being discussed with the confederations, according to the AFC. In a statement released Thursday, the AFC expressed its dissatisfaction with how the process was handled, emphasizing that it had not been consulted prior to the public announcement. The AFC’s response comes after similar criticisms from the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) and the North American Football Confederation (Concacaf), both of which have already voiced their opposition to the proposal. While the AFC did not take a formal stance for or against the initiative, it highlighted procedural issues, stating that the issue should have gone through proper channels before becoming public knowledge. The AFC emphasized that all stakeholders must be fully informed before taking a position on such a significant change to the World Cup’s business model. In its statement, the AFC noted that the lack of consultation was particularly concerning given the importance of the matter. It called for a thorough examination of any major changes, ensuring they are debated within established institutional mechanisms. The confederation stressed that member associations deserve complete transparency before making decisions that could reshape the financial structure of one of football’s most prestigious tournaments. The AFC further pointed out that the decision-making process must reflect the collective interests of the global football community and reinforce confidence in FIFA’s governance framework. It reiterated that the organization remains committed to the sport’s growth and will continue working toward the continuous development of world football. Infantino’s proposal seeks to introduce private investment into the commercial exploitation of FIFA events, including the World Cup. This would mark a shift from the current model, which relies primarily on state-owned entities to manage the financial aspects of the tournament. The idea has sparked considerable controversy among football governing bodies, with some viewing it as a necessary evolution in funding, while others see it as a potential threat to the integrity of the competition. The UEFA and Concacaf have taken a firm stand against the proposal, arguing that allowing private capital into the World Cup’s finances could undermine the fairness and stability of the tournament. They believe that the World Cup should remain under the control of national federations and that introducing external investors might lead to conflicts of interest or prioritize profit over sporting values. In contrast, the AFC adopted a more measured approach. Rather than directly opposing the content of the proposal, it focused on the method used to unveil it. The AFC argued that the premature disclosure of such a significant policy change without prior consultation was inappropriate and potentially damaging to the collaborative spirit that defines international football governance. The AFC’s statement also underscored the need for all parties to be adequately informed before engaging in discussions about transformative initiatives. It suggested that the proposed changes require careful consideration and consensus-building, especially since they could affect the long-term direction of the sport. As the debate continues, it remains unclear whether the FIFA leadership will adjust its approach in light of these criticisms. The AFC has made it clear that it expects a transparent and inclusive process moving forward, one that respects the established structures of football administration. For now, the focus remains on the procedural concerns raised by the AFC and other confederations, with no immediate indication of a compromise or resolution.