AFC President Labels FIFA's World Cup Commercialization Plan 'Unacceptable'
Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, who serves as both the president of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and a senior vice president for FIFA, has openly condemned FIFA's strategy to commercialize the World Cup. His criticism centers on the perceived lack of engagement and consultation with regional bodies regarding the plan to offer stakes in the tournament to private entities. He characterized this oversight as "totally unacceptable," asserting that such a move fundamentally undermines the established continental framework of the sport.
These direct remarks were conveyed in a letter dispatched on Thursday to the 47 member associations affiliated with the AFC, a document that Reuters news agency subsequently reviewed. The forthrightness of Sheikh Salman's comments is considered notable, given his dual role within both organizations.
Concerns Over Lack of Consultation and Potential Ramifications
FIFA had previously announced its intention to establish a commercial subsidiary, valued at an estimated $20 billion, which would be responsible for managing the World Cup and other associated events. This revelation sparked immediate disapproval from various regional confederations, including the AFC, many of whom expressed surprise and frustration at being excluded from prior discussions.
In his letter, Sheikh Salman articulated the AFC's "great concern and disappointment" regarding the absence of consultation at any level before the public disclosure of this proposition. He further highlighted that the AFC had not received any comprehensive governance, financial, or legal analysis of the proposal, nor an assessment of its potential consequences. He reiterated that this lack of transparency and engagement was "totally unacceptable."
Moreover, the AFC president conveyed profound apprehension that FIFA's unilateral actions appear to compromise the very underpinnings of continental football. He emphasized that these foundations are built upon principles of solidarity, cooperation, and transparency, which he believes are now being jeopardized.
The Role of the AFC in Global Football
Headquartered in Kuala Lumpur, the AFC is one of FIFA's six continental confederations. Its responsibilities encompass overseeing regional club and national team competitions across a vast geographical expanse, stretching from continental Asia to the Middle East and Australia. Sheikh Salman underscored the critical point that FIFA's proposal cannot succeed without the collective endorsement and support of all confederations.
Call for Thorough Examination and Discussion
Sheikh Salman urged that FIFA President Gianni Infantino's proposal undergo a rigorous examination and discussion through the appropriate legal and governance channels. He also questioned the compressed timeline provided to member associations for approving such a significant plan. Infantino had, in a letter to all 211 football associations earlier in the week, indicated that each association would receive $40 million if they agreed to FIFA's proposal by September 19.
The AFC president expressed surprise at the "extremely limited period for consideration of a proposal of such significance," stressing that decisions of this magnitude should never be made hastily. He subsequently requested that the confederation's members refrain from making a definitive decision on the proposal until the AFC has had the opportunity to engage in further dialogue with FIFA.
In his communication, Sheikh Salman appealed to all member associations to "await the outcome of these consultations and the completion of the necessary review processes before reaching any position regarding the proposal." He concluded by affirming the AFC's unwavering commitment to collaborating constructively with all member associations, FIFA, and other stakeholders to advance the interests of football. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that the continued growth of the sport is founded on trust, transparency, and unity.
Al Jazeera has reportedly reached out to FIFA for a response to the letter issued by the AFC.
