The head of the Asian Football Confederation has strongly criticized FIFA for failing to consult regional associations on a proposal to sell World Cup shares, arguing the plan jeopardizes the sport’s continental framework.
Published On 30 Jul 2026
Asian Football Confederation (AFC) president Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa has described FIFA’s lack of consultation regarding its proposal to sell World Cup shares to private investors as “totally unacceptable,” stating that the initiative compromises the existing continental structure of the sport.
The Bahraini leader made these unusually candid remarks in a letter sent to all 47 member associations of the regional body on Thursday, a copy of which was obtained by Reuters.
On Tuesday, FIFA unveiled plans to establish a $20 billion commercial subsidiary to manage the World Cup and other competitions, a move that drew immediate criticism from regional confederations, including the AFC, which claimed it had been caught off guard by the announcement.
“The AFC expresses deep concern and disappointment at having been excluded from any level of consultation with FIFA prior to the public disclosure of this proposal,” Sheikh Salman stated.
“Furthermore, the AFC has not received a comprehensive governance, financial, or legal assessment of the proposal and its potential consequences, which is entirely unacceptable.
“The AFC is also deeply concerned that FIFA’s unilateral measures appear to erode the very foundations of continental football, which are built upon solidarity, cooperation, and transparency.”
Based in Kuala Lumpur, the AFC is one of FIFA’s six confederations and oversees regional club and national team competitions across a broad expanse spanning continental Asia, the Middle East, and Australia.
The Bahraini official stated that the proposal would fail without the backing of all confederations.
Sheikh Salman called for FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s proposal to be “rigorously examined and debated through the appropriate legal and governance channels.” He also questioned the compressed timeline provided to member associations to approve the plan.
Infantino stated in a letter to all 211 football associations earlier this week that each association would receive $40 million if they accept FIFA’s proposal by September 19.
“The AFC is also surprised that the current timeline grants an extremely limited period for consideration of a proposal of such magnitude, as such significant decisions should never be rushed,” Sheikh Salman wrote.
He requested that the confederation’s members refrain from forming a definitive stance on the proposal until the AFC completes further discussions with FIFA.
“The AFC kindly requests all member associations to withhold any position on the proposal until these consultations conclude and the necessary review processes are complete,” he stated.
“I assure you that the AFC remains fully committed to constructively collaborating with all member associations, FIFA, and other stakeholders to advance the interests of the sport and ensure that the game’s continued growth is rooted in trust, transparency, and unity,” he added.
Al Jazeera has sought a response from FIFA regarding the AFC’s letter.
