AFC joins UEFA and CONCACAF in opposing FIFA private investment plan

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has joined European and Americas football bodies in opposing FIFA's proposal to sell stakes in its competitions to private investors, intensifying pressure on the plan backed by FIFA president Gianni Infantino. The AFC said it stands in solidarity with UEFA and CONCACAF against the proposal, which would allow private investors to buy a stake in a potential commercial subsidiary of world football's governing body. UEFA has gone further, with its 55 member associations voting unanimously at an emergency meeting to boycott the World Cup and other FIFA competitions if the reform is adopted. Despite the growing opposition, FIFA has pledged to push ahead with consultations on the plan. With the AFC's rejection alongside Europe and the Americas, it is now likely that more than half of FIFA's overall membership would vote against the proposal if a ballot were held. The dispute comes less than two weeks after the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and the plan has triggered significant backlash across the sport.