The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has joined UEFA and CONCACAF in opposing FIFA’s proposal to sell minority stakes in a commercial subsidiary linked to the World Cup, increasing pressure on the governing body’s investment plans.
In a statement on Friday, the AFC said it stood “in solidarity” with UEFA and CONCACAF and warned the proposal lacked the broad support needed to move forward.
“The FIFA World Cup is the pinnacle of global football and derives its strength from the participation of all Confederations and the world’s leading football nations,” the AFC said.
“Any proposal that risks undermining the unity and universal character of the competition must be reconsidered.”
FIFA plans to establish a commercial subsidiary to manage the World Cup and other competitions, with private investors able to buy minority stakes. The governing body says the move would unlock additional commercial value while allowing FIFA to retain full control of its tournaments.
The AFC also criticised FIFA’s decision-making process, arguing that member associations and confederations had not received proper consultation before the proposal became public.
It said the process had exposed “fundamental weaknesses” in FIFA’s governance, adding that confederations, member associations and even FIFA Council members had felt “sidelined”.
The AFC urged FIFA to review its governance framework and ensure future proposals follow “proper consultation, meaningful engagement and appropriate oversight”.
The latest statement leaves FIFA facing opposition from three of its six continental confederations, raising fresh doubts over whether the proposal could secure enough backing if it reaches a formal vote.
FIFA responded on Thursday by saying it respected the concerns raised by stakeholders and remained committed to an “open and democratic consultation process”. The governing body also argued that inaccurate media reports had disrupted its planned discussions with confederations and member associations.
