Asia’s football body opposes Infantino’s private investor plan for World Cup
The Asian Football Confederation has joined a growing chorus of opposition to FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s proposal to allow private investors to purchase stakes in the World Cup, according to Africanews. The AFC said on Friday that FIFA must urgently review its management style, signalling a widening rift between the global body and one of its most powerful continental federations.
The proposal, which would open up the World Cup and other FIFA competitions to outside equity investment, has been a focal point of criticism from confederations, member associations and reform advocates who argue that the tournament belongs to the game rather than to shareholders. The AFC’s statement places Asia, which represents a significant share of FIFA’s member associations and voting weight, firmly in the camp of those calling for a rethink.
A widening governance dispute
FIFA, headquartered in Zurich, oversees world football through six continental confederations, with the AFC among the largest by membership. Tension over the commercialisation of FIFA assets has simmered for several years, as Infantino has pursued strategies aimed at expanding the organisation’s revenue base following the boom in broadcast and sponsorship income around recent World Cups.
Critics within the football community have warned that selling equity in flagship competitions could dilute the sporting and cultural character of the World Cup, alter how tournaments are structured, and lock future decision-making behind commercial interests. Supporters of the plan argue that private capital could fund development programmes, expand competitions and reduce financial pressure on member associations.
What comes next
The AFC’s call for an urgent review of FIFA’s management style adds diplomatic weight to the dissent and raises questions about whether the proposal can advance without broader consensus. As Africanews reported, confederations are expected to press their concerns through formal channels ahead of upcoming FIFA governance meetings, where decisions on the future direction of the World Cup and other flagship events are likely to be debated.
Sources
This report was written from coverage published by the following news organisations. Follow the links for the original reporting.
