AFC backs UEFA, Concacaf in row over FIFA's new enterprise plan

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has expressed concern over developments surrounding FIFA's proposal to establish 'FIFA Forward Enterprise,' affirming its solidarity with the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) and the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (Concacaf) regarding apprehensions about the project.

In an official statement, the AFC said the proposal, which involves private investment in major tournaments, has created uncertainty within the global football community. The confederation noted that its concerns extend beyond the nature of the project to include FIFA's decision-making process.

The statement highlighted that the situation has escalated to the point where a potential World Cup boycott is being openly discussed, which should alarm all stakeholders invested in the future of the sport. The AFC emphasized that the strength of the World Cup lies in the participation of all continental federations and leading national teams.

The AFC stressed that any move affecting the unity and global character of the World Cup warrants reconsideration, adding that the current crisis has exposed fundamental weaknesses in FIFA's consultation and governance mechanisms.

It noted that FIFA's recent clarifications have failed to address core concerns related to governance, institutional procedures, and genuine consultation with stakeholders.

The AFC asserted that any project of this scale, with significant commercial, sporting, and strategic implications for global football, should not be advanced in a way that leaves continental and national federations or governance bodies feeling marginalized.

The AFC called on FIFA to urgently review its governance system and decision-making processes to ensure that globally significant initiatives are developed through genuine consultation and adequate oversight by the relevant legal authorities.

The statement concluded by affirming that the World Cup and football belong to the entire global football family, and that the future of the sport should be determined collectively.