The Asian Football Confederation has welcomed FIFA’s decision to abandon its proposed private investment plan for the World Cup, while urging the global football body to adopt a more transparent and consultative approach to major decisions.

In a statement issued on Saturday, AFC President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa said the confederation welcomed the withdrawal of the proposed FIFA Forward Enterprise, a commercial subsidiary that was intended to oversee major competitions such as the FIFA World Cup and Club World Cup.

The AFC stressed that any initiative capable of reshaping global football should be presented and discussed with continental confederations, the FIFA Council, member associations and other stakeholders in a timely, transparent and meaningful manner.

FIFA had unveiled the proposal on Tuesday, saying the new FIFA Forward Enterprise could raise up to $4.2 billion based on a valuation of $20 billion.

Under the proposal, FIFA said each of its 211 member associations could receive a one-off payment of $20 million in early 2027. It also planned to increase funding allocations for the 2027 to 2030 cycle from $8 million to $20 million per association.

However, the governing body withdrew the proposal following widespread opposition from football stakeholders, prompting the AFC to praise the reversal while calling for greater openness in future decision-making.

The AFC represents 47 member associations, including Australia, China, Japan and Saudi Arabia.

The development follows FIFA’s decision to scrap the investment plan after mounting backlash over concerns about private involvement in the commercial rights of its flagship tournaments.