CONCACAF unanimously rejects FIFA plan to sell stake in World Cup commercial operations
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- CONCACAF’s 41 member associations unanimously reject FIFA plan to sell a stake in World Cup commercial operations, citing governance and transparency concerns.
All 41 member associations of the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) have unanimously rejected FIFA's proposal to sell a stake in the commercial operations linked to the FIFA World Cup, citing concerns over governance, transparency and the decision-making process.
In a statement issued on Thursday following a meeting of its member associations, CONCACAF said there were "deep concerns" about the lack of due process surrounding the proposal, the "artificially short" deadline imposed for making a decision, and the absence of any review or approval by FIFA's relevant governance bodies.
The regional governing body said its members were united in opposing the plan, arguing that a commercial project of such significance should not proceed without following FIFA's established governance mechanisms and regulatory oversight.
CONCACAF warned that advancing the proposal without proper consultation raises legal and administrative questions about the management of the World Cup's commercial and financial affairs. It said the unanimous vote was intended to send a clear message that FIFA must respect transparent governance procedures before pursuing major structural changes.
The rejection adds to mounting resistance against FIFA President Gianni Infantino's proposal. Earlier on Thursday, UEFA and its 55 member associations also unanimously opposed the plan, with the European governing body warning it could boycott FIFA competitions if the proposal moves forward.
According to reports, FIFA's proposal would involve selling a stake in a new commercial entity responsible for managing the business operations of the World Cup and other FIFA competitions, a move critics say was developed without adequate consultation with football's continental confederations.
FIFA has not publicly responded to CONCACAF's latest statement.
