On Monday, August 10, 2026, UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), and CONCACAF issued an open letter criticizing FIFA President Gianni Infantino for his conduct regarding a proposed sale of a 20% stake in the commercial rights to the World Cup. The plan, which Infantino later abandoned, aimed to raise approximately US$4.2 billion by selling these rights to private investors.

The statement accused Infantino of breaking trust "through deception" and placing himself "above the collective" that entrusted him with authority. The three confederations called for a fully independent review of the events surrounding the proposal. Their letter emphasized that "Football's strength has always been its unity" and urged for leadership that serves the football community rather than commands it, stating, "Leadership in football is not a possession."

Following an emergency meeting on Wednesday, FIFA apologized to its 211 member federations. Infantino managed to rally support among the six confederations comprising FIFA. Africa's confederation CAF, representing 54 members, publicly backed Infantino on Thursday. CONCACAF member Mexico, along with South American countries Argentina, Paraguay, Ecuador, and Bolivia, also expressed support.

The controversy intensified after reports by The Daily Telegraph alleged payments made by UEFA to a former employee during Infantino's tenure as UEFA's general secretary. Infantino denied these allegations, and FIFA rejected them as unfounded.

As of the report, nearly 70 of FIFA's 211 member associations have publicly declared their intention to vote for Infantino, while about a dozen have withdrawn previous support or stated they will not vote for him.

Notable Quotes

  • "When trust is broken through deception, when an individual places himself above the collective that entrusted him with authority, that duty has been abandoned."
  • "Football's strength has always been its unity."
  • "Leadership in football is not a possession."
  • "It is not about holding – or demanding – power to be held. It is a duty of service to the football family that entrusts it."
  • The three confederations "called for a fully independent review of what had happened."

Sources