Kuala lumpur: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has issued a call for FIFA to urgently review its governance and decision-making framework in light of concerns surrounding the proposed establishment of FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE). The AFC's statement emphasizes the need for a more robust consultation process and oversight by FIFA's statutory bodies.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the AFC highlighted that the issue extends beyond a single proposal, revealing fundamental weaknesses in FIFA's consultation and decision-making processes. The confederation insists that proposals of global importance should be developed through proper consultation and meaningful engagement, ensuring appropriate oversight by FIFA's governing entities.
Last Tuesday, FIFA unveiled its plan to establish FFE, a company designed to manage major tournaments such as the FIFA World Cup and FIFA Club World Cup. This proposal would allow private investors to hold minority stakes, with FIFA targeting proceeds of up to USD4.2 billion based on a company valuation of USD20 billion.
If the proposal gains approval, each of FIFA's 211 member associations stands to receive a one-time payment of USD20 million in early 2027. Additionally, development funding for the 2027-2030 cycle would increase from USD8 million to USD20 million.
The AFC emphasized that while every FIFA Member Association should have the opportunity to consider and determine proposals affecting world football's future, true democracy is not solely about voting opportunities. A proposal of such significance should not arise through processes that leave confederations, member associations, and even FIFA's governing bodies feeling marginalized.
The primary objective for world football, the AFC stated, must be to ensure that decisions of great magnitude are made through transparent processes that command the confidence of the football community. In alignment with this, the AFC stands in solidarity with the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) and the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF), both of which have expressed serious concerns over the issue.
UEFA's 55 member associations have taken a firm stance, opting out of participating in FIFA competitions, including the World Cup, and unanimously rejecting FIFA's proposal. Similarly, CONCACAF and its 41 member associations voiced their rejection during a meeting held on Thursday.
The AFC expressed that the current situation, where the possibility of a World Cup boycott is discussed, should alarm anyone who cares about the future of football. The AFC underscored that the sport should never have been placed in such a precarious position.