“Fundamental Breach of Trust”: UEFA and Two Confederations Step Up Pressure on Infantino
Sport
UEFA, the Confederation of North, Central America and the Caribbean (Concacaf), and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) have called for an independent review of FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s actions. The move comes amid a dispute over FIFA’s plans to involve private investors in the commercial rights linked to the World Cup. The three confederations said the issue represented not merely a procedural error but a “fundamental breach of trust” in FIFA’s institutions.
The dispute centers on FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), a proposed commercial structure with an implied valuation of $20 billion. FIFA planned to raise up to $4.2 billion by selling a minority stake to external investors while retaining control of the company.
Following criticism from football organizations and national associations, FIFA abandoned the project. UEFA, however, had already announced a boycott of FIFA competitions and later said the conditions required to end the boycott had not been met despite the withdrawal of the initiative.
In their joint appeal, the three confederations said the review should be conducted by an independent third party rather than FIFA itself. They also criticized the format of a FIFA meeting in Morocco, arguing that the participation of a limited group of senior officials did not provide sufficient transparency.
FIFA, for its part, said it welcomed legitimate criticism but rejected what it described as unfounded allegations and said it would challenge inaccurate or misleading reports.
Gianni Infantino has served as FIFA president since 2016 and has previously indicated his intention to seek another term. Against the backdrop of the dispute, several national football associations have already said they will not support his re-election.
Following criticism from football organizations and national associations, FIFA abandoned the project. UEFA, however, had already announced a boycott of FIFA competitions and later said the conditions required to end the boycott had not been met despite the withdrawal of the initiative.
In their joint appeal, the three confederations said the review should be conducted by an independent third party rather than FIFA itself. They also criticized the format of a FIFA meeting in Morocco, arguing that the participation of a limited group of senior officials did not provide sufficient transparency.
FIFA, for its part, said it welcomed legitimate criticism but rejected what it described as unfounded allegations and said it would challenge inaccurate or misleading reports.
Gianni Infantino has served as FIFA president since 2016 and has previously indicated his intention to seek another term. Against the backdrop of the dispute, several national football associations have already said they will not support his re-election.
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