UEFA issues another open letter against Infantino

UEFA issues another open letter against Infantino

The continental football associations of Europe (UEFA), North America (CONCACAF) and Asia (AFC) have issued an open letter to the leadership of the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA).

The new statement says that the dispute over the possible transfer of the rights to the World Cup to a new commercial structure should “require an independent investigation by external experts” without the involvement of FIFA.

“Football is the greatest shared passion on the planet. It belongs to neither an individual nor a single organization. It belongs to players, fans, clubs, national associations and every institution entrusted with its future. It is from this perspective that we, the confederations, representing their members, are issuing a single appeal today,” the letter reads.

While acknowledging FIFA's achievements in expanding the World Cup, the leaders of the leading continental organizations claim that the international federation refuses to fully admit its mistakes.

“The recent letter from FIFA to the vice-presidents and 211 national associations acknowledges that there were procedural flaws. It is presented as a breakdown in communication, when in fact football has witnessed a complete breakdown of the governing body’s decision-making.

The proposal, put forward at short notice, without proper consultation and with a deadline until the associations have properly examined its terms, is not the result of negligence – it is the result of a deliberate attempt to limit scrutiny.

The letter fails to acknowledge that the proposal itself was fundamentally flawed from the start. It has not been recognised that the attempt to sell a share of the World Cup was not simply a procedural flaw, but a profound betrayal and serious failure of the trust of the very institutions that FIFA is supposed to serve,” the letter says.

While the letter does not list any demands on FIFA’s leadership, the general tone of the appeal suggests a lack of trust in the organization by UEFA, AFC and CONCACAF.

“These are not qualities that football expects from its leadership. That is why we have taken this position not lightly or alone, but together – out of a sense of duty to the game we serve. Football has always had its strength in its unity. We call for respect for this unity and for leadership that serves football, not dominates it,” the letter concludes.

It should be recalled that at the end of July, FIFA announced its intention to establish a company called “FIFA Forward Enterprise” and give it part of the rights to host the football world championships. It was said that this could lead to further commercialization of the tournament.

This deal could bring the organization about $ 4 billion, and personal bonuses to the FIFA leadership. Shortly after these reports appeared, UEFA, and then CONCACAF and the AFC sharply criticized this development of events. All 55 members of UEFA agreed to boycott the 2030 World Cup if FIFA’s plan was implemented.

After a stir on social networks and in the media, FIFA issued a statement that it had abandoned these plans. However, the conflict did not end there.

UEFA continues to put pressure on FIFA by expressing no confidence in the federation’s leadership and personally in President Gianni Infantino. In response, the FIFA press service issued a press release stating that it fully supports its leader.