The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has joined UEFA and CONCACAF in rejecting FIFA’s proposal to sell a stake in the World Cup to private investors, warning that the move threatens the unity and universal character of football’s biggest competition. The development was reported by Citi Sports Online.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino recently announced plans to introduce private investment into the World Cup, a move projected to generate more than $40 billion in revenue. However, the proposal has sparked widespread opposition from major confederations.
In a statement issued on July 31, 2026, the AFC expressed solidarity with UEFA and CONCACAF, stressing that football should not be commodified. “The AFC stands in solidarity with UEFA and CONCACAF in expressing serious concerns over FIFA’s proposal to introduce private investment into FIFA’s flagship competitions. Football should never have been placed in such a position,” the statement read.
UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin has already threatened a boycott of the World Cup if the plan goes ahead, insisting that the tournament’s strength lies in its universal participation. “The World Cup derives its power from unity. Any move that undermines this must be reconsidered,” he said.
CONCACAF also rejected the proposal, warning that it could erode trust and compromise the integrity of the sport. With three major confederations now united in opposition, FIFA faces mounting pressure to abandon or revise its plan.
