CONCACAF and AFC criticize FIFA World Cup private investment plan

The governing body for football in the Americas, CONMEBOL, has expressed “deep concern” over what it describes as a lack of due‑process safeguards in FIFA’s proposed private investment plan. In a formal statement, CONMEBOL said the initiative, which aims to channel private capital into football development projects, was presented without sufficient consultation with member associations and without clear mechanisms for accountability or oversight. The organization warned that proceeding without transparent procedures could undermine the credibility of FIFA’s governance and jeopardize the equitable distribution of resources across the continent.

Similarly, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) issued a statement indicating it is “disappointed” by the same shortcomings. The AFC highlighted that the plan’s rollout appears to bypass established decision‑making channels and fails to provide member associations with adequate input or recourse. Both confederations have called on FIFA to pause the implementation of the investment scheme until a comprehensive review is conducted, ensuring that all stakeholders are afforded proper procedural rights and that the fund’s governance structure meets international standards. FIFA has yet to respond to the concerns raised by the two regional bodies.