FIFA's plan to sell stakes in World Cup competitions to private investors is facing strong opposition from continental confederations ahead of a scheduled vote on September 19, 2026.
UEFA announced a boycott of FIFA competitions after an emergency meeting of its 55 member associations on Thursday, signaling unified European resistance to the initiative.
Despite the pushback, FIFA President Gianni Infantino has maintained his stance, with FIFA confirming on Friday morning that it will continue its consultation process.
Approval of the proposal requires a simple majority of 106 votes from FIFA's 211 member associations, along with backing from the FIFA High Council.
Opposition from UEFA, Concacaf, and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) commands a combined total of 150 votes, well above the threshold needed to block the measure if members vote along confederation lines.
Confederations Voice Concerns
Concacaf officially rejected the proposal following an emergency meeting of its 41 members on Thursday.
"The discussion reinforced the need for greater transparency and proper governance," Concacaf stated, though it stopped short of joining the official boycott.
The AFC, representing 47 members, issued a statement on Friday morning confirming its alignment with European and North American governing bodies.
"The fact that the situation has reached the point where the real possibility of a World Cup boycott has entered public discourse should concern everyone who cares about the future of our game," the AFC stated.
The Asian confederation noted that the current strategy fails to build the consensus needed for global football reform.
"The AFC believes that the proposed [Football Forward Enterprise] cannot realistically achieve the necessary broad consensus and unity required to move forward," it added.
AFC President Salman bin Ibrahim al-Khalifa delivered additional criticism, stating that FIFA's methods were "unacceptable" and "undermine the very foundations of continental football."
The AFC further requested structural changes within FIFA's leadership, calling for "an urgent review of its governance and decision-making framework."
Meanwhile, the Confederation of African Football (CAF), holding 54 votes, plans to meet next week to evaluate the situation.
"CAF is committed to continue consulting and working together with its Member Associations, Fifa, other Football Confederations and stakeholders in support of increasing financial and other resources for the development and growth of football in Africa and worldwide," CAF stated on Tuesday.
The South American Football Confederation (Conmebol), representing 10 votes, has not made a public declaration.
The Oceania Football Confederation (OFC), representing 11 member associations, stated that its Executive Committee will review the plans in August.
"OFC remains committed to engaging constructively with its Member Associations, Fifa, fellow Confederations and other football stakeholders throughout the consultation process and in support of the continued development of football across Oceania and globally," the OFC stated on Thursday.
