The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has thrown its weight behind UEFA and CONCACAF in opposition to FIFA's plans to sell stakes in its competitions to private investors.
The AFC issued a statement on Friday, saying it "stands in solidarity" with the European and North and Central American confederations. The statement read: "The FIFA World Cup is the pinnacle of global football and derives its strength from the participation of all Confederations and the world's leading football nations. Any proposal that risks undermining the unity and universal character of the competition must be reconsidered."
FIFA's plans to privatize its competitions have been met with skepticism from several quarters, and the AFC's opposition means that the proposal is unlikely to be approved by members if put to a vote.
The idea of selling stakes in FIFA's competitions to private investors has been floated by FIFA president Gianni Infantino, who has argued that it could bring in much-needed revenue for the governing body. However, the plan has been criticized by many in the football community, who fear that it could lead to the commercialization of the sport and undermine its values.
FIFA's World Cup is one of the most-watched and most-followed sporting events in the world, and any changes to its format or ownership could have significant implications for the sport as a whole.
The AFC's opposition to FIFA's plans is significant, given its large membership and influence in Asian football. The confederation has been a key player in the development of football in the region, and its support for UEFA and CONCACAF's stance is a major blow to Infantino's plans.
The future of FIFA's World Cup and its ownership structure remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the governing body's plans will need to be revised in light of the AFC's opposition.
Source: BBC Sports