AFC demands consultation after FIFA scraps World Cup investment plan

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) issued a statement on Tuesday urging FIFA to shape its future through “proper consultation” after a contentious decision on the upcoming World Cup format sparked a dispute with the Asian governing body. The AFC, representing 47 member associations, said the recent announcement to expand the tournament and reallocate qualification slots was made without adequate dialogue with confederations, leaving the Asian region uncertain about its future participation and development pathways. AFC President Sheikh Salman Al‑Khalifa highlighted that the unilateral nature of the plan undermines the collaborative spirit required for global football governance and could jeopardise the competitive balance for Asian nations.

In response, the AFC called for an immediate review of the decision-making process and for FIFA to engage all confederations before finalising any structural changes to the World Cup. The confederation warned that continued exclusion from meaningful discussions could lead to broader dissent within the sport’s international framework. FIFA is expected to address the concerns at its upcoming congress, where member associations will have the opportunity to debate the proposed reforms and determine the next steps for the tournament’s evolution.