All Concacaf members reject FIFA’s Infantino $20 million offer

Concacaf has unanimously rejected FIFA’s proposal to sell a minority stake in the World Cup and other major tournaments to private investors.

The decision followed an emergency meeting involving all 41 member associations after FIFA announced plans to sell up to 21% of its new commercial entity, FIFA Forward Enterprises, for US$4.2 billion.

While the proposal aimed to provide immediate funding for member associations, Concacaf raised concerns about governance, transparency, and FIFA’s decision-making process.

Sources also said many members have lost confidence in FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s leadership, with widespread unease over the organisation’s current direction.

The confederation’s official statement highlighted significant procedural flaws behind the proposal.

“The membership expressed deep concerns about the lack of due process surrounding the proposal, the artificially short deadline imposed, and the absence of any review or approval by the relevant FIFA governance bodies,” the statement read.

The report also challenged the need for private equity investment, highlighting the irony after “the most profitable FIFA World Cup in history.”

Concacaf’s decision adds to growing opposition against FIFA’s proposal. UEFA has threatened to boycott all FIFA competitions, including the World Cup, if the plan goes ahead, while the Asian Football Confederation criticized the lack of proper consultation.

The African confederation has taken a more cautious approach, urging its members to review the proposal while acknowledging it has been involved in discussions.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino said the proposal is optional and would require approval from a majority of FIFA’s 211 member associations and the FIFA Council.
Despite this, Concacaf has instructed its FIFA council members to push for increased regional development funding using FIFA’s existing reserves and to ensure FIFA follows proper governance procedures.

The confederation’s stance is significant as its members recently hosted the 2025 Club World Cup and 2026 Men’s World Cup, with the United States, Mexico, Jamaica and Costa Rica also set to co-host the 2031 Women’s World Cup.