Asian, European, and CONCACAF Leaders Send Message to Football Family

The presidents and secretaries general of the Asian Football Confederation, the Union of European Football Associations, and the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) have issued an open letter to the football community, asserting that the game belongs to everyone and is not the property of any individual or organization.

This message comes after FIFA President Gianni Infantino suggested selling a stake in FIFA competitions, primarily the World Cup, before FIFA announced the cancellation of the proposal due to criticism from most federations.

The statement read: "Football is the greatest shared passion in the world. It does not belong to one individual or one institution, but to the players, the fans, the clubs, the member associations, and every organization entrusted with protecting its future. Based on this principle, as continental federations representing our members, we speak today with a collective voice."

He added: "The growth that football has witnessed over the past decade has been real, but this progress has never been the work of one person. It has been the result of the efforts of FIFA, the continental federations, the member associations, and the thousands of people who dedicate their lives to serving the game."

FIFA stated: "The expanded tournaments, the awarding of the 2030 and 2034 World Cups, and the distribution of resources among federations are all collective achievements that were agreed upon and implemented together, and this matter is not about money. Continental federations have already called for the responsible distribution of the massive financial reserves held by FIFA, with the aim of enhancing investment in the development of member federations."

He added: "This is not about any member association potentially losing the support it has gained and deserves, despite attempts to stir fears and portray the matter differently. It is also not about reconsidering the expansion of competitions or the distribution of World Cup spots or any other decisions made collectively. These decisions were made together, and they must remain in place."

"This is about something more fundamental: the integrity of the game, and the integrity of the people elected to lead it. There is silence when there should be accountability, and there is distance when there should be openness and transparency."

He concluded: "These are not the qualities that football deserves in its leadership. That is why we have taken this stance, not out of disdain or individually, but together, from our duty towards the game we serve. The strength of football has always been in its unity. We call for respect for this unity, and for leadership that serves football, not leadership that seeks to impose its control over it."