Governing body of Asian football within FIFA
FIFA’s presidency is facing a concerted push to unseat Gianni Infantino. European federations are withdrawing support amid governance concerns, while UEFA and others are seeking a credible challenger ahead of the November deadline to enter the race and the March 18 election in Rabat. Infantino remains publicly committed to leading FIFA through reforms.
FIFA president has spoken at a United Nations session to frame the World Cup as a catalyst for youth mental health and global unity. The tournament in North America has set attendance records, with Argentina and Spain preparing for Sunday’s final in East Rutherford after 102 matches across the U.S., Canada and Mexico.
A mix of sources shows momentum for expanding the World Cup beyond 48 teams. CONMEBOL and some FIFA officials advocate a 64-team format for 2030, while others remain skeptical about logistics and the broader impact on the football ecosystem.
FIFA plans to create FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) to run the World Cup and related events, offering up to 20% stake to external investors. The move has drawn swift criticism from UEFA, Concacaf and other bodies for governance concerns and lack of consultation, while FIFA argues the plan would unlock billions for global football development.
FIFA has unveiled a $20 billion subsidiary to run World Cup rights, offering 20% stakes to private investors. UEFA and other confederations decry the move as dangerous for football, with potential funding promises to member associations. The plan has triggered swift political and sporting backlash as the global football community weighs the risks and rewards.
FIFA has proposed a $20 billion subsidiary, FIFA Forward Enterprise, to run the World Cup and related events, offering up to 20% minority stakes to private investors. FIFA would keep control but plans to raise up to $4.2 billion. CONCACAF, AFC, UEFA and others have criticised the move for a lack of consultation and governance concerns amid a global backlash.
Messi has returned to the field for Inter Miami amid weather delays, scoring and assisting in a Leagues Cup clash. The club remains unbeaten in eight matches, with Messi’s form continuing after the World Cup final. Other MLS actions see Suarez and Mendez scoring in Columbus’ draw as the league contends with scheduling and player welfare.
Fifa's proposals to sell stakes in World Cup rights to private investors have triggered a backlash from European football bodies and key advisers. A resignation amid the controversy underscores widespread opposition and questions about governance. Leaders warn the World Cup should remain in football hands as the debate continues.
Continental bodies including UEFA, CONCACAF and AFC are opposing FIFA's plan to create the FIFA Forward Enterprise and sell a stake, arguing it compromises governance and the sport’s integrity. The pushback comes as preparations for potential further actions, including a boycott, intensify.
Senior FIFA adviser Carlos Cordeiro has resigned, arguing that FIFA’s plan to sell up to 20% of a new entity that would run World Cups and other events is a bad deal for football. The resignation comes amid backlash from UEFA, Concacaf and the AFC, who say the process lacks transparency and could reshape football’s future.
FIFA has scrapped the Forward Enterprises plan after mounting opposition from UEFA, CONCACAF, AFC and member associations. Infantino’s private venture faced resignations and internal criticism, leading FIFA to terminate the project and reaffirm a commitment to open consultation.
Infantino has scrapped a plan to sell stakes in World Cup events after strong opposition from UEFA, AFC and Concacaf. Senior advisers have resigned, and critics say the move undermines FIFA’s leadership. The push now shifts to whether Infantino can survive his presidency amid looming calls for reform.
FIFA has scrapped its plan to sell a minority stake in World Cup assets after broad, global backlash. UEFA and other confederations had threatened boycotts and demand reforms. The leadership faces renewed scrutiny as talks to rebuild trust begin.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has seen European and several other confederations pull back support after the aborted Forward Enterprise plan to privatise parts of the World Cup, amid varied backing from South American and African bodies.
UEFA has demanded that FIFA preserve data related to the FIFA Forward Enterprise plan after a controversy sparked a global furore. A Dechert letter names 18 FIFA executives and warns that destroying or altering materials may constitute spoliation of evidence. Infantino’s bid appears endangered as UEFA signals a possible end to his presidency.
FIFA has withdrawn a plan to privatise parts of the World Cup after widespread condemnation from UEFA and others. Infantino’s leadership is under intense scrutiny as allies distance themselves and potential successors emerge.
The FIFA president has faced widespread criticism after proposing private investment in World Cup rights. Following a backdown, UEFA and others say they no longer trust his leadership while Africa’s CAF and other allies show support as Infantino travels to Morocco to navigate a crisis ahead of March elections.
FIFA President Infantino faces mounting criticism as stakeholders push back against a proposed World Cup profit plan. Leaders from UEFA and CONCACAF condemn the plan, while Canada and other hosts reassert concerns. The controversy has intensified ahead of the March presidential election in Rabat.
A journalist describes Yerevan’s Republic Square and Dancing Fountains, exploring the Pink City’s heritage, modern life, and recent tourism growth linked to direct flights from London and broader regional appeal.
FIFA has apologised for the mishandling of the FIFA Forward Enterprise plan and confirms the project is off the table. UEFA, CONCACAF and others are pressing for governance reforms as Infantino faces sustained criticism ahead of the 2027 election.
European football bodies keep pressure on Gianni Infantino after the aborted FFE plan. UEFA has lost confidence and a broad boycott threat remains in motion; multiple confederations express opposition or support as the 2027 election nears.
The Norwegian Football Federation has called for Gianni Infantino to resign amid fallout from his bid to privatize the World Cup via the FIFA Forward Enterprise. UEFA maintains its boycott threat and several European federations have withdrawn support as Infantino seeks re-election next March.
President Trump has publicly backed FIFA president Gianni Infantino after UEFA, CONCACAF and the AFC accused him of "breaking trust through deception" over a shelved plan to sell stakes in a new commercial arm. Infantino has retained support from CAF and CONMEBOL while several national federations have withdrawn endorsement ahead of the 2027 election.
The European, North American and Asian confederations have publicly questioned Gianni Infantino’s leadership after the aborted Football Forward Enterprise plan to sell a stake in the World Cup. They call for an independent review and promise to seek unity in leadership that serves football.
Signatories including Morocco, Qatar, Egypt, Mauritania, Lebanon and Sudan express support for FIFA President Infantino, while European bodies threaten boycotts. The plan to sell World Cup stakes to private investors has been withdrawn, but governance concerns linger as opposition grows and challengers prepare for the next vote.
Infantino is facing a leadership crisis as CONCACAF, UEFA and AFC push for his resignation amid a failed World Cup privatization plan. He is meeting Dominican officials while allies seek to rally support and counter moves to unseat him ahead of the March 2021 presidential election. FIFA has not commented on ongoing requests for change.
Six Nordic associations have united to back UEFA and call for Infantino’s resignation, while pressing for an independent review of FIFA’s governance after plans to privatize World Cup profits faced global pushback.
Fifa has shelved the Forward Enterprise plan amid fierce opposition from UEFA and other bodies. Ceferin calls for Infantino to quit; EU associations warn against selling football to private investors. The plan is dead, but governance tensions persist as Infantino seeks support ahead of a potential fourth term.
Ceferin has said he is not pursuing Infantino’s FIFA presidency but warns Infantino faces mounting pressure and could step down or face a leadership challenge as several confederations threaten a no‑confidence vote. The comments come amid reports of growing discontent over plans for private investment in FIFA tournaments.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino is under renewed pressure as European and other confederations reassess backing for his plan to privatise FIFA events. After the aborted Forward initiative, member associations are weighing leadership and governance reforms ahead of the 2027 Congress.
FIFA has acknowledged missteps in a bid seen as reshaping world soccer toward Saudi influence. SAFF supports dialogue to restore unity while divisions persist among confederations over a $20 billion plan and leadership questions ahead of a potential no-confidence push.
UEFA has escalated pressure on FIFA president Gianni Infantino after revealing a criminal mismanagement complaint in Switzerland related to a failed bid to sell future World Cup profits to private investors. The move follows a broader backlash from FIFA member bodies amid concerns over a $4.2 billion investment plan that would have paid out to federations. Infantino has not indicated he will step down, and election remains scheduled for March 2027.
The FFF has withdrawn its support for Gianni Infantino amid concerns over FIFA’s governance and plans to sell World Cup stakes. UEFA and other confederations join in pressing for reform as Infantino plans to stand again in 2027.
FIFA President has reaffirmed plans to seek a fourth term in 2027 despite mounting criticism from UEFA and other confederations over the failed FFE plan to privatise World Cup profits. Nominations close 18 November ahead of the Rabat congress.
Fans at a Saudi Pro League game between Al-Taawoun and Al-Hilal chanted Jota’s name at Ruben Neves, a close friend of the late Diogo Jota. Neves responded by pointing to his eye and sky; Ronaldo has urged lifetime bans for offending fans. Both clubs and Saudi football authorities say they will take action to prevent such abuse.
UEFA and CONCACAF presidents have urged an independent review of FIFA’s finances and proposed releasing at least $10 million to every member association for the 2027-30 cycle, on top of the FIFA Forward Programme. The plan relies on reserves of about $6 billion and aims to avoid selling interests in FIFA competitions.
Saudi Pro League officials condemn offensive chants directed at Ruben Neves during a match between Al-Hilal and Al-Taawoun. Neves’s teammate Jota died in 2025; Cristiano Ronaldo has called for lifetime bans for offenders. Al-Hilal has filed a complaint, and governing bodies vow to pursue disciplinary measures.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has publicly backed an external, independent review of FIFA’s governance for major initiatives and proposes a structured consultation with confederations and member associations. The move follows backlash over the abandoned FIFA Forward Enterprise and amid calls for leadership changes as Infantino seeks re-election.
The four European top leagues have published a joint statement demanding fundamental governance reforms at FIFA, citing concerns over unchecked power and the impact of expansion on domestic football. The move follows Infantino’s push for reform and the withdrawal of the FIFA Forward Enterprise plan.