In an unusual show of unity, the football governing bodies of Europe, Asia and the Americas have publicly challenged FIFA president Gianni Infantino over his failed attempt to sell a stake in the World Cup to private investors. The open letter, released on Monday and co-signed by the presidents and general secretaries of UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and CONCACAF, describes the episode as a “fundamental breach of trust” with the institutions FIFA is meant to serve.
The letter, addressed to “the football family,” does not mention Infantino by name but leaves no doubt about its target. It accuses the leadership of treating the game as if it were answerable to one individual, rather than to the players, fans, clubs and member associations that make up the sport’s global community. “Football is the world’s greatest shared passion. It belongs to no individual and no institution,” the text reads.
A failure of judgment, not communication
The three confederations, which together represent the vast majority of FIFA’s member associations, were particularly scathing about Infantino’s apology. They argue that his statement framed the controversy as a misunderstanding, when in fact it was a deliberate decision that should never have been taken. “It treats this as a failure of communication, when what football witnessed was a failure of judgment,” the letter states.
The signatories include UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin, AFC president Salman Bin Ibrahim Al-Khalifa, and CONCACAF president Victor Montagliani. Their joint action is a rare display of cross-continental solidarity against the FIFA leadership, and it comes amid growing calls for Infantino’s resignation from individual national associations, including Norway’s football federation.
UEFA had previously threatened to boycott FIFA competitions, including the World Cup, over the investment scheme. That threat remains on the table, according to recent statements from European football officials. The open letter reinforces that stance, warning that “when trust is broken through deception, when an individual places himself above the collective that entrusted him with authority, that duty has been abandoned.”
FIFA’s defence and the wider context
FIFA has pushed back, issuing a statement on Saturday that accused critics of a “concerted and ongoing effort” to undermine Infantino’s leadership. The organisation did not directly address the substance of the allegations, instead framing the controversy as a campaign against its president.
The dispute has also drawn in unrelated personal allegations. British media have reported that a female UEFA staff member received a six-figure “departure payment” during Infantino’s time as UEFA general secretary, amid claims of misconduct. Infantino has denied the allegations, and UEFA has confirmed the payment was made but said it was in line with regulations at the time, which have since been tightened.
The open letter’s release comes as the football world remains divided over Infantino’s future. While some allies have rallied behind him, the joint statement from three major confederations suggests that the opposition is now organised and vocal. The letter concludes: “These are not the qualities football deserves in its leadership. That is why we have taken this stance: not lightly and not alone, but together, and out of duty to the game we serve.”
The immediate future of FIFA’s leadership remains uncertain, but the message from Europe, Asia and the Americas is clear: the status quo is no longer acceptable. As the debate continues, the focus will be on whether Infantino can rebuild trust or whether the pressure will force him to step aside.
