… Concacaf, which governs football in North and Central America and the Caribbean – and hosted this summer’s World Cup – said its members “rejected” the proposal, with sources saying the vast majority of associations from the region are losing, or have lost, faith in Infantino. …
… CONCACAF and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) have also questioned the decision to make the proposal public before consulting all 211 FIFA member associations. …
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. …
… Concacaf, which covers North and Central America and hosted this year’s World Cup, said in a statement: “We are deeply concerned by the lack of due process. …
… Victor Montagliani, president of the governing body for football in North and Central America and the Caribbean (Concacaf), said the suggestion “doesn’t feel right” and he believes the expansion would damage “the broader football ecosystem”. …
… Panama were the big boys of CONCACAF qualifying during the latest cycle with the United States, Mexico and Canada sitting out as Thomas Christiansen’s side went six matches unbeaten during the second round to book a spot at this summer’s football festival. …
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.
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.
Football administrator Eric Alagidede has opposed FIFA's proposal to sell stakes in World Cup competitions to private investors through a new commercial subsidiary, arguing that excessive commercialization could make the sport unaffordable for ordinary fans and that funds may not be used as intended.
Football administrator Eric Alagidede has urged the Ghana Football Association to reject FIFA's plans to sell stakes in World Cup competitions to private investors, warning that the proposal could lead to over-commercialisation of football and make it expensive for fans to watch.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
After the first round of Group Stages, smaller nations have performed better than expected, with Cape Verde holding Spain to a goalless draw, suggesting the tournament expansion from 32 to 48 teams may have justified itself despite initial concerns.
Ghana's Black Stars play their first group match against Panama today in Toronto in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The match comes as African nations have shown mixed results in the tournament, with Côte d'Ivoire securing a 1-0 win over Ecuador, Cape Verde drawing with Spain, and Egypt drawing 1-1 with Belgium.
FIFA has published a book by Italian journalist Alessandro Alciato documenting Gianni Infantino's first 10 years as FIFA President since his election in February 2016. The book covers behind-the-scenes stories, women's football growth, revenue redistribution, and FIFA's transition from corruption to transparency.