AFC, UEFA, CONCACAF Demand Independent Review of Failed FIFA Deal

AFC, UEFA and CONCACAF have called for an independent third-party review of FIFA's abandoned $4.2bn World Cup commercial-rights proposal, accusing the organisation of poor judgment and a breach of trust.

Daniel Momodu · August 10, 2026 · 97

The Asian Football Confederation, UEFA and CONCACAF have demanded an independent review of FIFA's abandoned proposal to sell a stake in a company that would commercialise the rights to the World Cup and other major tournaments.

The three confederations made the demand in a joint letter following FIFA's decision to withdraw the proposal after strong opposition from football stakeholders.

They described the proposal as a “profound failure of judgment” and a “fundamental breach of trust”, rejecting FIFA's explanation that the controversy resulted from a failure in communication.

The confederations said the plan was advanced without meaningful consultation and on a compressed timeline that limited proper scrutiny by FIFA's member associations.

They also rejected FIFA's intention to conduct its own review, insisting that the process should instead be handled by a fully independent third party. They said FIFA officials, staff and other stakeholders involved in the original proposal should have no role in the review.

The controversy began after FIFA President Gianni Infantino proposed establishing FIFA Forward Enterprise, a company intended to commercialise the rights to the World Cup and other major tournaments.

The proposal reportedly involved selling about 20 per cent of the company to private investors for approximately $4.2bn, with the proceeds intended for distribution to national football associations. The plan was subsequently abandoned following widespread opposition.

The three confederations also raised concerns about a recent leadership meeting in Morocco, questioning why FIFA Council members and member associations were not invited.

They said the episode raised broader concerns about the integrity of FIFA's leadership and called for unity, transparency and leadership that serves the interests of football.

FIFA, however, has defended Infantino, saying he remains democratically elected and backed by its 211 member associations. The governing body has also rejected what it described as inaccurate or misleading claims surrounding the controversy.