The global governing body announced on Tuesday that it would scrap the contentious plan to offload a stake in the quadrennial tournament, citing overwhelming opposition from key football stakeholders.
Calls for Transparency and Consultation
AFC President Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al‑Khalifa said the future of world football must be built on dialogue, respect for existing governance structures and a commitment to transparency.
Football Australia’s chairman, Anter Isaac, echoed the sentiment, stressing that integrity, independence and due process are essential for the sport’s continued development.
The Swedish Football Association’s leader, Simon Astrom, also voiced approval, pointing to the need for clearer governance standards before any future commercial experiments.
While the decision marks a victory for those advocating stronger oversight, officials warned that the conversation about reform is far from over, promising continued consultation to shape a more accountable framework.