UEFA, CONCACAF, AFC Tell Infantino: ‘Football Belongs to No Individual’ as FIFA Crisis Deepens

FIFA President Gianni Infantino is facing renewed pressure after UEFA, CONCACAF and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) issued a strongly worded joint statement warning that football cannot be controlled by any one individual.

The three confederations criticised Infantino’s leadership following his controversial proposal to bring private investment into FIFA competitions, including the World Cup. Although the plan was withdrawn within days, the fallout has continued to expose divisions within football’s global governing body.

“Leadership in football is not a possession,” the confederations said, arguing that authority must be exercised on behalf of the wider football community. They also accused Infantino of placing himself above the collective that gave him his mandate.

The dispute could have major implications for the FIFA presidential election scheduled for March 2027 in Rabat. Infantino, 56, is seeking a fourth and final term, while CONCACAF president Victor Montagliani is viewed as a possible challenger. Candidates have until November 18 to declare their intentions.

UEFA’s threat to boycott the World Cup if the private investment proposal proceeded was seen as a major factor in Infantino’s decision to abandon the plan. Such a boycott could have involved major football nations, including reigning world champions Spain and 2026 semi-finalists France and England.

The confederations also rejected FIFA’s explanation that the controversy was mainly a communication failure. They said the episode instead reflected what they described as a failure of judgment, adding that an emergency meeting in Morocco involving selected senior FIFA officials had not adequately addressed their concerns.

Infantino retains significant support, particularly from the Confederation of African Football (CAF), while CONMEBOL is largely supportive. However, the latest intervention from UEFA, CONCACAF and AFC signals that opposition to his leadership remains organised ahead of the election.

The three bodies acknowledged that football has expanded significantly during Infantino’s decade in office, including the 48-team World Cup and increased financial resources for member associations. But they argued that those achievements were the result of collective efforts by FIFA, its confederations, national associations and thousands of people working across the sport.

They concluded that FIFA’s strength depends on unity, accountability and openness, making clear that their criticism was directed not only at the abandoned investment plan but also at what they see as a broader leadership problem within the organisation.