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Saturday, 31 October 2026
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Ghanaian press · Organization

Asian Football Confederation

Asian Football Confederation — continental football governing body that accused FIFA President Infantino of breaking trust over a failed plan to sell competition stakes to private investors.

2026-07-122026-10-31

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In coverage

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  1. July 2026
  2. Daily Guide

    … CONCACAF and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) have also questioned the decision to make the proposal public before consulting all 211 FIFA member associations. …

    CAF To Review FIFA’s Controversial Commercial Plan For World Cup
  3. Joy Online

    … Cordeiro’s resignation came after the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) published a statement saying it “stands in solidarity” with its counterparts in Europe and North, Central America and the Caribbean. …

    Senior Infantino adviser quits as AFC opposes plans
  4. Joy Online

    The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) says it “stands in solidarity” with Uefa and Concacaf in opposition to Fifa’s proposal to sell stakes in its competitions to private investors. …

    AFC joins Uefa and Concacaf in opposing Fifa plan
  5. The Ghanaian Times

    … The Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) have also expressed concern that the proposal was made public before FIFA’s 211 member associations were fully consulted. …

    FIFA Forward Enterprise initiative,” CAF said in a statement late on Wednesday.
  6. Joy Online

    … In a letter to members obtained by Sky News, Asian Football Confederation President, Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, says he has not “received any detailed governance, financial or legal analysis of the proposal and its potential repercussions, which is totally unacceptable …

    FIFA plans to speed up launch of new World Cup spin-off
  7. Joy Online

    … He is the problem.” The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) said: “While the AFC recognises the importance of exploring innovative approaches that can strengthen the future of global football, initiatives of this scale and consequence must be founded upon the principles of good go …

    FIFA offers $40m if nations back controversial plan
  8. Joy Online

    … He is the problem.” The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) said: “While the AFC recognises the importance of exploring innovative approaches that can strengthen the future of global football, initiatives of this scale and consequence must be founded upon the principles of good go …

    Fifa offers $40m if nations back controversial plan
  9. Joy Online

    … Asian Football Confederation (AFC) president Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa agreed, saying further expansion would bring “chaos”. …

    Infantino opens door to 64-team World Cup
Sport

FIFA to distribute additional $3.4bn for football development

The News

FIFA proposes to release an extra $3.4bn (£2.6bn) from its reserves for football development across the world, more than doubling planned distribution funding for 2027-2030. The move follows commercial success of this summer's World Cup and comes as the organization faces pressure over a failed private investment plan.

16 October 2026 · The Ghanaian Times →

Friday 16 October

  1. FIFA to distribute additional $3.4bn for football development

    FIFA proposes to release an extra $3.4bn (£2.6bn) from its reserves for football development across the world, more than doubling planned distribution funding for 2027-2030. The move follows commercial success of this summer's World Cup and comes as the organization faces pressure over a failed private investment plan.

    16 October 2026 · The Ghanaian Times →

Wednesday 14 October

  1. FIFA proposes $3.4bn extra for football development worldwide

    FIFA plans to increase funding for football development by $3.4bn (£2.6bn) from its reserves, more than doubling planned distribution for 2027–2030, citing the commercial success of this summer's World Cup. The proposal follows pressure on president Gianni Infantino after his abandoned plan to sell competition stakes to private investors.

    14 October 2026 · Joy Online →

Thursday 8 October

  1. Ex-Tottenham defender Vega to challenge Infantino for FIFA presidency

    Former Switzerland centre-back Ramon Vega has confirmed he will stand as a candidate in next year's FIFA presidential election to challenge Gianni Infantino, citing a need to reunite football and deliver reform. Infantino has faced calls to resign following his failed plan to sell World Cup stakes to private investors.

    8 October 2026 · Joy Online →

Wednesday 23 September

  1. Infantino proposes independent review of FIFA governance

    FIFA President Gianni Infantino has proposed an independent external review of FIFA's governance framework and consultations on decision-making after withdrawing a controversial plan to sell a 20% stake in commercial rights to private investors. The proposals would examine roles in major initiatives and improve transparency and accountability.

    23 September 2026 · The Ghanaian Times →

Monday 21 September

  1. Infantino invited to Cape Verde summit amid FIFA leadership challenge

    FIFA president Gianni Infantino has been invited by the Confederation of African Football to attend a Strategy Conference in Cape Verde on October 7 and 8. CAF's executive committee and a number of African football associations have expressed support for Infantino, who faces a potential challenge to his leadership in next year's presidential election following fierce opposition to his proposal to sell a stake in FIFA competitions to private investors.

    21 September 2026 · Joy Online →

Friday 18 September

  1. UEFA seeks credible challenger to FIFA President Infantino

    UEFA Vice-president Laura McAllister said the organization remains on course to find a candidate capable of defeating Infantino in next March's FIFA election, uniting football's confederations, and delivering governance reform. McAllister stated the candidate need not be European but must have a clear reform programme and be capable of winning support across FIFA's member associations.

    18 September 2026 · The Ghanaian Times →

Thursday 17 September

  1. FA chair calls for FIFA to release World Cup commercialisation documents

    England's Football Association chair Debbie Hewitt has demanded that FIFA president Gianni Infantino release all documents relating to his cancelled plan to sell a 21% stake in World Cup commercial and ticketing rights to a private investment company. Hewitt's letter, sent before the next FIFA Council meeting on 15 October, also calls for an independent review of the proposal and accuses FIFA of governance failures.

    17 September 2026 · Joy Online →

Friday 11 September

  1. France withdraws Infantino support, calls for FIFA governance reform

    France's Football Federation joined England, Italy, and four other European nations in withdrawing support for FIFA president Gianni Infantino after his failed plan to sell stakes in FIFA competitions to private investors. The FFF said Infantino's governance does not meet football's standards, despite his abandonment of the investment proposal.

    11 September 2026 · Joy Online →

Friday 28 August

  1. UEFA prepares criminal action against FIFA president Infantino

    UEFA has applied for access to evidence and documents for criminal proceedings in Switzerland against FIFA president Gianni Infantino, accusing him of "criminal mismanagement" over a now-scrapped plan to sell stakes in the World Cup and other FIFA competitions to private investors. UEFA also says it is considering pursuing criminal action against other FIFA officials.

    28 August 2026 · Joy Online →

Tuesday 25 August

  1. UEFA chief Ceferin rules out 2027 FIFA presidency challenge

    UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin has ruled out standing for FIFA president in March 2027, though he expects another candidate to challenge Gianni Infantino following widespread opposition to the latter's now-scrapped plan to sell stakes in FIFA competitions to private investors.

    25 August 2026 · The Ghanaian Times →

Wednesday 19 August

  1. FIFA Chief Operating Officer exits over Infantino criticism

    FIFA announced that Chief Operating Officer Kevin Lamour has left the organisation weeks after publicly criticising Gianni Infantino's plan to sell a stake in World Cup and tournament commercial rights. Lamour said FIFA staff had been "deceived" over the proposal and described it as "the project of one person," while a senior adviser to Infantino also resigned in protest before Infantino withdrew the plan.

    19 August 2026 · The Ghanaian Times →

  2. Fifa dismisses executive over criticism of Infantino's plans

    Fifa has dismissed chief operating officer Kevin Lamour following his public criticism of president Gianni Infantino over a plan to sell stakes in competitions to private investors. Uefa vice-president Laura McAllister has criticized the dismissal as sending a "deeply troubling message" to those seeking change in football governance.

    19 August 2026 · Joy Online →

Tuesday 18 August

  1. Premier League chief criticises FIFA plan, calls self-inflicted wound

    Premier League chief Richard Masters has criticised FIFA president Gianni Infantino's now-abandoned plan to create a company managing World Cup commercial and ticketing rights with 21% sold to private investors, calling it a "self-inflicted wound." Masters backed the FA's withdrawal of support for Infantino and called for a new unity candidate for FIFA president.

    18 August 2026 · Joy Online →

Friday 14 August

  1. New Zealand withdraws support for FIFA president Infantino re-election

    New Zealand has become the latest nation to withdraw support for FIFA president Gianni Infantino's re-election bid, joining England, Wales, Norway, the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. The withdrawal follows Infantino's aborted plans to sell 20% of the World Cup's commercial rights to private investors, and New Zealand is also seeking an independent review of the FIFA Forward Enterprise Scheme.

    14 August 2026 · Joy Online →

Thursday 13 August

  1. FAI and IFA withdraw and withhold support for Infantino

    The Football Association of Ireland has officially withdrawn support for Fifa president Gianni Infantino, while the Irish Football Association backs Uefa's stance. The move follows Uefa, Concacaf, and the Asian Football Confederation accusing Infantino of breaking trust through deception over a failed attempt to sell a stake in Fifa's commercial operations.

    13 August 2026 · Joy Online →

Tuesday 11 August

  1. Trump defends Infantino against removal amid FFE controversy

    US President Donald Trump said it would be a "terrible mistake" to remove Fifa president Gianni Infantino, whose position has come under pressure following accusations from Uefa, Concacaf and the AFC that he broke trust through deception with a failed Fifa Forward Enterprise proposal.

    11 August 2026 · Joy Online →

  2. Trump defends FIFA president Infantino amid removal pressure

    US President Donald Trump says it would be a "terrible mistake" to remove FIFA president Gianni Infantino, whose position has come under pressure following UEFA, Concacaf, and the Asian Football Confederation's open letter accusing him of breaking trust through his aborted FIFA Forward Enterprise proposal to sell 21% of commercial and ticketing rights to a private investment company.

    11 August 2026 · Joy Online →

Friday 7 August

  1. Norway calls for Infantino's resignation; Mexico and Argentina back FIFA president

    Norway's Football Federation has called on FIFA president Gianni Infantino to resign, citing lack of institutional trust and concerns over World Cup privatization, tournament awards, and other governance issues. Mexico and Argentina have voiced their support for the 56-year-old, while England, Wales, Croatia, and Albania have withdrawn support without explicitly demanding his resignation.

    7 August 2026 · Joy Online →

Saturday 1 August

  1. UEFA loses confidence in Infantino after scrapped FIFA investment plan

    UEFA says it has lost confidence in Gianni Infantino's FIFA leadership following the withdrawal of a controversial plan to sell stakes in the governing body's competitions to private investors. UEFA had previously voted to boycott World Cups if the plans proceeded, and other governing bodies also opposed the proposal.

    1 August 2026 · Joy Online →

Friday 31 July

  1. FIFA president Infantino scraps World Cup investment plan

    FIFA president Gianni Infantino has scrapped a controversial proposal to sell stakes in the governing body's major competitions, including the World Cups, citing divisions it had created. The plan had offered all 211 member associations $40m each to back private investment in tournaments, but faced widespread opposition from UEFA, Concacaf, and the AFC.

    31 July 2026 · Joy Online →

  2. CAF to assess FIFA's World Cup commercial restructuring plan

    The Confederation of African Football will review FIFA's proposal to establish a commercial subsidiary to manage the World Cup and other flagship tournaments, through which FIFA aims to raise $4.2 billion by selling minority stakes valued at $20 billion. If approved, each of FIFA's 211 member associations would receive a one-off payment of $20 million in early 2027 and increased annual development funding from $8 million to $20 million per association, though the plan has faced opposition from UEFA and European officials over commercialisation concerns.

    31 July 2026 · Daily Guide →

  3. Infantino adviser resigns as AFC opposes competition stake sales

    FIFA president Gianni Infantino's senior adviser Carlos Cordeiro resigned after the Asian Football Confederation joined European and North/Central American bodies in opposing a plan to sell stakes in competitions to private investors. Cordeiro called the proposal "a bad deal for football" that would "mortgage football's future," and the AFC warned the plan lacks the broad consensus needed and risks undermining the unity of the FIFA World Cup.

    31 July 2026 · Joy Online →

  4. AFC opposes Fifa's plan to sell competition stakes

    The Asian Football Confederation said it stands in solidarity with Uefa and Concacaf against Fifa's proposal to sell stakes in its competitions to private investors, arguing the plan cannot achieve the necessary consensus and risks undermining the unity of the World Cup.

    31 July 2026 · Joy Online →

  5. FIFA plans commercial subsidiary for World Cup, seeks investor stakes

    Football's world governing body announced plans to create a commercial subsidiary to run major events like the World Cup and Club World Cup, allowing private minority investors to acquire stakes. The proposal aims to raise up to $4.2 billion and would provide each of FIFA's 211 member associations with a $20 million one-off payment in early 2027 and increased annual funding, though UEFA, European federations, EU officials, CONCACAF, and AFC have raised concerns over commercialisation, conflicts of interest, and consultation processes.

    31 July 2026 · The Ghanaian Times →

Thursday 30 July

  1. FIFA accelerates financing for new World Cup spinoff venture

    FIFA plans to secure up to $4.2bn in private investment by October for a new World Cup spinoff subsidiary (FIFA Forward Enterprise), even as President Infantino claims a consultation process has only just begun. The move has drawn criticism from UEFA and others, who say the rushed process lacks consultation with football associations and crosses a line by partly selling off the governing body's revenue-generating operations.

    30 July 2026 · Joy Online →

  2. FIFA offers $40m to nations backing competitive asset-sale plan

    FIFA president Gianni Infantino has written to 211 member associations offering $40m if they back his plan to sell stakes in major competitions, including the World Cup, with a 19 September deadline for access to an initial $20m. UEFA accused FIFA of using football to enrich themselves and their friends.

    30 July 2026 · Joy Online →

Wednesday 29 July

  1. FIFA offers $40m for nations to back competition stake plan

    FIFA president Gianni Infantino has written to all 211 member associations offering $40m in exchange for backing his plan to sell stakes in major competitions like the World Cup through a new commercial subsidiary. The plan, which could raise $10bn and has drawn quick condemnation from multiple regions, sets a 19 September deadline for nations to accept and receive an initial $20m.

    29 July 2026 · Joy Online →

Sunday 12 July

  1. Infantino to assess 64-team World Cup after 2026

    FIFA boss Gianni Infantino said plans to expand the World Cup to 64 teams will be examined after the 2026 tournament, citing the success of the expanded 48-team format. Infantino stated that expanding the tournament ensures it is "for the whole world" and gives smaller nations incentive to improve.

    12 July 2026 · Joy Online →

Asian Football Confederation — Ghanaian press coverage · Ghana Minute