Archive · 30 Jul 2026
AFC Rebukes FIFA Over $20bn World Cup Investor Plan
The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) said it was shocked that FIFA announced a plan to let private companies buy parts of the World Cup.
The AFC’s boss, Sheikh Salman, wrote that FIFA didn’t talk to them first and didn’t give them details about the plan.
FIFA offered each of its 211 member groups $40 million if they agree by September 19, but the AFC thinks the deadline is too short.
Other football groups, like UEFA and player unions, also said they don’t like the plan.
FIFA will vote on the idea, but the AFC says all six football confederations must agree before it can go forward.
AFC president Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al-Khalifa condemned FIFA’s $20bn plan to sell World Cup stakes to private investors.
AFC said it was not consulted and lacked detailed analysis, calling the move “totally unacceptable.”
FIFA offered $40 million to each of its 211 member associations if they approve by September 19, a deadline AFC deems too short.
UEFA, CONCACAF, and other confederations have also criticized the proposal, and player unions like FIFPRO and the PFA oppose it.
FIFA plans to vote on the proposal with its member associations and executive council, but AFC insists all six confederations must support it.
- Who
- AFC president Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al-Khalifa, FIFA, and member associations
- What
- Criticism of FIFA’s plan to sell World Cup stakes to private investors
- When
- Thursday, 2024
- Where
- AFC’s 47 member associations across Asia, the Middle East, and Australia
- Why
- Lack of consultation, insufficient time, and concerns about governance and transparency
- Proposal amount
- $20 billion
- Offer per association
- $40 million
- Deadline for approval
- September 19, 2024
- Number of FIFA member associations
- 211
- Confederations involved
- 6 (AFC, UEFA, CONCACAF, CONMEBOL, CAF, OFC)
- AFC president
- Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al-Khalifa
