CONCACAF has joined UEFA in opposing a controversial proposal by FIFA to sell a stake in its commercial operations, including rights linked to the FIFA World Cup.
The plan, backed by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, involves creating a new entity known as “FIFA Forward Enterprise” and opening it up to private investment as part of efforts to generate additional revenue for global football development.
In a strongly worded statement, Concacaf said it convened a meeting of the presidents of its 41 Member Associations alongside council members and FIFA representatives to review the proposal, raising serious concerns over governance and process.
The confederation said the membership expressed “deep concerns about the lack of due process,” pointing to what it described as an artificially short timeline and the absence of review or approval by FIFA’s relevant decision-making bodies.
Concacaf also questioned the need for private equity funding, stating that “the need for private equity investment… following the most profitable FIFA World Cup in history was questioned,” while emphasising the importance of transparency and proper governance in decisions affecting the global game.
The body confirmed it has rejected the proposal and has tasked its FIFA Council members with engaging FIFA to explore how existing financial reserves can be used to strengthen development programmes instead.
It also instructed its representatives to ensure that “any matter follows the proper governance processes… in accordance with the FIFA Statutes,” reinforcing its position that football’s future “must remain in the hands of our football family.”
The development adds significant weight to growing opposition already led by UEFA, whose member associations have indicated they could boycott FIFA competitions if the proposal is implemented.
As at the time of this report, FIFA continues to defend the initiative as a means of expanding the global game, but increasing resistance from both Europe and the Americas signals a deepening divide that could have major implications for the future of international football.
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