FIFA leadership faces fresh revolt from football's power brokers

KUALA LUMPUR: FIFA president Gianni Infantino is under fresh attack from three of football's most influential confederations, who have blasted him for prioritizing personal gain over the sport's well-being. In a pointed open letter, the leaders of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), UEFA, and CONCACAF argued the dispute is not about money, but the game's integrity and the integrity of those elected to govern it.

The row erupted following FIFA's controversial plan to establish FIFA Forward Enterprise, a commercial arm to manage the global body's business and event operations. The move potentially involved selling up to a 20 percent stake to private investors for up to US$4.2 billion (RM17.7 billion). The proposal sparked outrage after confederations and national associations claimed they were not adequately consulted.

UEFA and its 55 member associations threatened to boycott FIFA tournaments if the plan proceeded, while AFC and CONCACAF also opposed it. Infantino subsequently canceled the project, stating it had created divisions detrimental to the game. FIFA later admitted to mishandling the proposal, but the latest letter underscores that the issue is far from resolved.

AFC president Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin, and CONCACAF president Victor Montagliani accused FIFA of offering insufficient explanation. They contended that rushing a major decision without proper consultation was a "failure of judgment" and a breach of trust. The confederation leaders also rejected FIFA's plan for an internal review, demanding a fully independent investigation, stating that FIFA staff and officials should not examine their own conduct.

The confederation leaders further questioned a recent FIFA leadership meeting in Morocco, noting that only one elected official attended and no FIFA Council members or member associations were invited. They emphasized that "leadership in football is not a possession. It is a duty of service to the football family." The joint statement adds fresh pressure on Infantino as FIFA prepares for its next presidential election, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing power struggle over the sport's governance.