Rabat -The Asian Football Federation (AFC) has publicly backed UEFA and CONCACAF in opposing FIFA’s proposal to introduce private investment into its flagship competitions, calling for an urgent review of the governing body’s decision-making process.
In a strongly worded statement, the AFC said it shares the concerns already raised by other confederations over FIFA’s proposed FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), a new commercial entity that would allow outside investors to purchase minority stakes in FIFA’s commercial rights and competitions.
The confederation warned that the debate has reached an alarming point, noting that the possibility of a boycott of FIFA competitions has entered public discussion.
“The fact that the situation has reached the point where the real possibility of a FIFA World Cup boycott has entered public discourse should concern everyone who cares about the future of our game,” the AFC said.
It argued that the World Cup’s global appeal depends on the participation and cooperation of all confederations, adding that any proposal capable of threatening that unity should be reconsidered.
According to the AFC, the issue extends beyond the proposed investment model itself and exposes broader concerns about FIFA’s governance.
The confederation criticized what it described as a lack of transparency and meaningful consultation, saying proposals with long-term consequences for world football should be developed through open dialogue with confederations, member associations, and FIFA’s own governing bodies.
The statement follows growing opposition to FIFA’s proposal across the football world.
UEFA previously rejected the plan unanimously, warning that introducing private ownership into FIFA competitions could place commercial interests ahead of the sport itself.
The AFC now joins UEFA and CONCACAF in voicing concerns, with resistance to the project continuing to grow as the debate over the future governance of world football intensifies.
