Also CONCACAF against FIFA: "The future of football
Secondo Tuttomercatoweb.
Context
CONCACAF, which manages soccer in North America, Central America and the Caribbean, recently reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and governance in soccer. Its decision to oppose FIFA's proposal was taken unanimously by the 41 member associations, underlining the importance of maintaining control of football within the football community.
Why it matters
CONCACAF's stance against FIFA highlights growing tension between football federations and the world governing body. The proposal to sell the World Cup to private investors has raised concerns about transparency and governance, crucial issues for the future of football. With the 2026 World Cup in sight, the debate over who controls football and how commercial rights are managed becomes increasingly relevant.
Key points
- Even CONCACAF against FIFA: "The future of football.
- CONCACAF has rejected FIFA's proposal to sell the World Cup to private investors, expressing concerns about the lack of transparency and governance.
- Even CONCACAF against FIFA: "The future of football must remain in our family".
UEFA has taken a clear position: if FIFA goes ahead with Gianni Infantino's idea of selling the World Cup to private investment funds, the European federation will boycott the world championship. Now even CONCACAF, the federation that manages football in North America, Central America and the Caribbean, has spoken out against FIFA. At a meeting of 41 affiliated associations, FIFA's proposal to sell World Cup shares to private investors was discussed and unanimously rejected. An official statement has been drawn up explaining the reason for this decision. Here is the text of the statement:
“CONCACAF is a confederation united by the love of our sport, where football comes first. Guided by this philosophy, over the last ten years we have built, from scratch, an organization founded on service, transparency in management and the long-term protection of football. History has shown FIFA and the entire football family what happens when the custodians of the sport lose sight of these values. With this in mind, CONCACAF today convened a meeting of the presidents of its 41 member associations, together with its President, Council members and FIFA Council members, to discuss a proposal drafted and presented by the FIFA President to establish the 'FIFA Forward Enterprise' and sell shares of the FIFA World Cup to private investors. During the meeting, members expressed deep concerns regarding the lack of adequate decision-making in relation to the proposal, the artificially short deadline imposed and the absence of any review or approval by the relevant FIFA governing bodies. Furthermore, the need for investment was questioned of private equity to finance FIFA Forward programs, both new and existing, following the most profitable FIFA World Cup in history. The discussion reiterated the need for greater transparency and adequate governance. For these reasons, CONCACAF and its 41 member associations have instructed FIFA Council members to educate the FIFA President to ensure that all matters follow correct governance procedures, through FIFA staff and the FIFA Council, in accordance with the FIFA Statutes. With these actions, CONCACAF reiterates that the future of football – and its most precious asset – must remain in the hands of our football family."
What happens now
CONCACAF has made clear its opposition to FIFA's proposal, but the future of relations between the federations and FIFA remains uncertain. If FIFA were to insist on this strategy, there could be further boycotts by other confederations, as already threatened by UEFA. The situation could also influence preparations for the 2026 World Cup, which will involve several CONCACAF countries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did CONCACAF decide regarding FIFA's proposal?
CONCACAF unanimously rejected FIFA's proposal to sell World Cup shares to private investors.
Who confirmed CONCACAF's position against FIFA?
CONCACAF's position was confirmed during a meeting of the 41 associations affiliated to the federation.
Why is CONCACAF opposed to the sale of the World Cup?
CONCACAF opposes the sale of the World Cup to preserve the fundamental values of football and ensure transparency in management.
What changes were discussed at the CONCACAF meeting?
In the meeting, FIFA's proposal to establish the 'FIFA Forward Enterprise' and sell World Cup shares was discussed, but was rejected.
What is UEFA's position on FIFA?
UEFA has said it will boycott the World Cup if FIFA proceeds with the sale to private investment funds.
