AFC Expresses Concerns Over FIFA’s Unilateral Decisions
The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has voiced strong objections to FIFA’s recent actions, alleging that the organization is undermining the very foundations of football. The AFC claims FIFA did not consult federations about plans to sell a portion of the World Cup to private investors, raising significant governance concerns.
In a letter dispatched to 47 AFC member associations on Thursday, President Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa criticized FIFA for its unilateral decision to enter a deal with Thrive Capital, helmed by Joshua Kushner. This agreement entails the sale of a 20% stake in a newly formed entity that will manage the commercial rights to all global tournaments.
Al Khalifa’s remarks carry considerable weight, particularly since the AFC has traditionally been a staunch supporter of FIFA President Gianni Infantino. The confederation has even pledged to back Infantino during the upcoming FIFA presidential election, underscoring the seriousness of its concerns.
The influence of the AFC is augmented by the alignments within international football governance; both the South American federation, Conmebol, and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) stand united with Infantino, maintaining a balance of power. In contrast, UEFA and the North American federation, Concacaf, oppose the proposed sale, though their collective opposition is insufficient to thwart FIFA’s plans, which require a simple majority of the total 211 votes.
Following UEFA’s expression of governance concerns, the AFC issued a statement reiterating similar sentiments. However, Al Khalifa’s letter goes deeper, stating, “The AFC is taken aback that it was not consulted by FIFA prior to the announcement of this proposal, nor has it received any detailed governance, financial, or legal analysis on its potential impacts, which is completely unacceptable.”
Additionally, the AFC emphasized its apprehension that FIFA’s actions could jeopardize the fundamental principles of continental football, which rely on cooperation, solidarity, and transparency. Al Khalifa further highlighted that successful initiatives depend on the consensus of all federations—a condition currently unmet.
The AFC also urged FIFA to reconsider the proposed deadline of September 19 for national associations to accept a $20 million down payment for the sale. Al Khalifa expressed concern over the tight timeframe, emphasizing that important decisions such as this should not be rushed. “Sufficient time is crucial for a thorough assessment, including necessary legal and governance due diligence,” he stated. Emphasizing the need for comprehensive discussions, he called for full involvement of pertinent FIFA bodies in the decision-making process to uphold the highest standards of ethics and governance.
In light of these developments, UEFA plans to convene an emergency meeting with its 55 member associations to deliberate on potential next steps. According to a senior official, a boycott of FIFA tournaments may emerge as a central topic of discussion during this critical meeting.
