Zurich: UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), and the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) on Monday accused FIFA leadership of a 'fundamental breach of trust' over its handling of a proposal to sell a stake in World Cup commercial rights.
According to Anadolu Agency, the three confederations, in a joint statement, emphasized that the dispute centered on 'the integrity of the game' and demanded greater accountability from FIFA leadership. They stressed that football, as a universal passion, should not be controlled by any individual or institution, but instead belong to players, fans, clubs, member associations, and institutions responsible for safeguarding its future.
The statement highlighted that FIFA's recent communication to its vice presidents and 211 member associations admitted mistakes in the process, portraying them as a communication failure. However, the confederations argued that the issue extended beyond communication, criticizing the proposal for being advanced on a tight timeline without sufficient consultation, which limited member associations' ability to thoroughly review its terms.
Furthermore, the confederations accused FIFA of not recognizing the proposal's fundamental flaws, describing the attempt to sell an interest in the World Cup as a significant error in judgment and a breach of trust with the institutions FIFA is supposed to serve.
The confederations called for an independent third-party review of the situation, insisting that FIFA should not conduct the investigation itself or through its staff or other football stakeholders. They also emphasized the need to preserve all pertinent documents and records.
Concerns were also raised about a recent leadership meeting in Morocco, where FIFA's account revealed that only one elected official attended, with no FIFA Council members or member associations invited. Instead, the meeting included senior FIFA staff on the management committee, which the confederations argued exacerbated concerns about FIFA's governance.
The confederations criticized FIFA's decision to convene a select group of management committee members abroad rather than addressing the issue at its Zurich headquarters, viewing it as inconsistent with FIFA's role as a custodian of football. They lamented the organization's lack of accountability and openness, considering these essential qualities for leadership in football.
The statement was issued after UEFA reaffirmed its stance to boycott FIFA competitions even though FIFA President Gianni Infantino retracted the proposal and apologized for its handling. The plan was abandoned following widespread opposition from football bodies, with UEFA previously stating that its member associations would boycott FIFA competitions if the proposal went ahead.