Ankara: Concacaf and its 41 member associations have rejected a proposal by FIFA to sell interests in the World Cup to private investors, raising concerns over governance and transparency. The decision threatens to derail FIFA's plan, which was presented as a way to attract private equity to fund football development programs.

According to Anadolu Agency, Concacaf expressed deep concerns about the lack of due process, the short deadline imposed, and the absence of review or approval by FIFA's relevant governance bodies. These issues were highlighted during a high-level meeting where the member associations discussed the FIFA Forward Enterprise initiative introduced by FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

Concacaf has directed its representatives to engage with FIFA to utilize the organization's extensive reserves for regional football development, emphasizing that any significant policy changes should adhere to established statutory processes. Concacaf stressed the importance of maintaining the stewardship of the game within the "football family" rather than external financial entities.

The rejection by Concacaf follows a similar stance by UEFA, where all 55 member associations pledged to support a boycott of FIFA competitions if the plans to involve private investors proceed. Despite the opposition, Infantino defended the proposal, describing it as a 'golden opportunity' to accelerate global football development by unlocking the 'previously uncaptured commercial value' of world football.