AFC aligns with UEFA, CONCACAF in rejecting FIFA's commercial overhaul
The Asian Football Confederation, based in Kuala Lumpur, has formally entered the growing dissent against FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s proposal to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors. In a coordinated statement, the AFC declared its support for UEFA and CONCACAF, both of which have threatened to boycott the plan and have already turned down an offer of $20 million per member federation.
Infantino’s vision includes a $20 billion commercial subsidiary that would be financed by New York‑based investor Joshua Kushner. While the financial package promises unprecedented revenue, the confederations argue that the scheme lacks the consensus and unity required to move forward, raising doubts about its feasibility on a global scale.
The AFC’s stance underscores a broader push for governance reform within world football’s governing body. By calling on FIFA to urgently review its decision‑making framework, the confederation signals that any restructuring must first secure the backing of all major regional bodies before any private‑investment model can be considered.
The disagreement unfolds against a backdrop of intense scrutiny on FIFA’s leadership and its handling of commercial opportunities. With the Asian, European and North American blocs aligning their opposition, the onus is now on the organization to address the concerns raised and to outline a transparent path forward that respects the sport’s global governance.