Confederations criticize FIFA and Infantino for "deception"

Confederations criticize FIFA and Infantino for "deception"

According to Espn.

Background

The confederations' allegations concern the planned sales shares in the 2026 World Cup, which will take place in the USA, Canada and Mexico. This situation could have a significant impact on future cooperation between FIFA and the confederations, particularly with regard to the organization and marketing of major events such as the World Cup.

Why this is important

The criticism of FIFA and Gianni Infantino by UEFA, Concacaf and the AFC is a significant expression of discontent within football. A 'fundamental breach of trust' could have far-reaching implications for cooperation between the confederations and FIFA, particularly with a view to the upcoming 2026 World Cup. These tensions could affect trust in Infantino's leadership and the integrity of FIFA.

Key findings

• Confederations criticize FIFA and Infantino for "deception".
• UEFA, Concacaf and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) accuse FIFA of a "fundamental breach of trust".
• Confederations slam FIFA, Infantino for 'deception'.

UEFA, Concacaf and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) have accused FIFA and President Gianni Infantino of a "fundamental breach of trust" over plans to sell shares in the World Cup. A joint statement from the three confederations released on Friday accused FIFA of leaving member associations in the dark about sales plans. "We are disappointed with the way FIFA has handled this issue, which is of such great importance to member associations," the statement said. "It is unacceptable that such important issues affecting football in general and member associations in particular should be dealt with behind closed doors and through secret negotiations. "FIFA has breached a fundamental trust with member associations and we believe that FIFA should immediately inform member associations of the status of this issue, particularly before the upcoming meetings of the confederations and FIFA. "We demand that FIFA return to the principles of respect for member associations, which are the basis for FIFA's existence." Earlier this week, FIFA said it would make an announcement in the next few days revealing the details of a deal with a corporate partner to acquire shares in the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico. FIFA had already signed a deal in 2023 to sell 20% of revenue from the World Cup tournament to a company based in Saudi Arabia that would help FIFA market football. However, this decision had already caused great criticism in the run-up to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, as many feared that FIFA and the Saudi Arabian company would reduce the "value" of football through too many marketing campaigns. FIFA and Infantino had always emphasized that the shares were not sold to the games themselves, but to FIFA's marketing rights and that the games themselves would not be affected in any way. FIFA had held a meeting with associations around the world last week to inform about the sales plans, but UEFA, the AFC and Concacaf have now said that FIFA had not provided them and other associations with sufficient information and therefore considered these sales plans unacceptable.

What happens next

FIFA is now under pressure to communicate transparently about sales plans and inform member associations. The upcoming meetings of the confederations and FIFA could be crucial to clarify strained relations. Observers expect that FIFA may have to take measures to regain the trust of the confederations and address concerns about the secret negotiations.

Frequently asked questions

What have UEFA, Concacaf and AFC accused FIFA of?

You have accused FIFA and President Gianni Infantino of a 'fundamental breach of trust' by leaving member associations in the dark about sales plans.

Who expressed criticism of FIFA and Infantino?

The criticism was voiced by the three confederations UEFA, Concacaf and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).

Why is the criticism of FIFA relevant now?

The criticism is relevant because FIFA has announced that it will announce details of a contract with a corporate partner in the next few days who would like to acquire shares in the 2026 World Cup.

What changes are the confederations demanding from FIFA?

The confederations call on FIFA to return to the principles of respect for member associations and to inform them of the status of sales plans.

What is FIFA planning for the 2026 World Cup?

FIFA plans to announce details of a contract involving the sale of shares in the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

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