UEFA, CONCACAF and AFC have warned FIFA president Gianni Infantino that football “belongs to no individual” amid a growing dispute over his shelved private investment plan.
The three confederations issued a joint letter on Monday, accusing Infantino of poor judgement and calling for greater accountability within FIFA.
Infantino has faced mounting criticism since proposing private investment in FIFA competitions, including the World Cup, before abandoning the plan days later following strong opposition from football’s governing bodies.
FIFA had earlier defended Infantino against what it described as a coordinated effort to undermine the organisation and its president.
But UEFA, CONCACAF and AFC maintained their opposition, saying leadership in football should not be treated as personal power.
The confederations said the controversy represented more than a communication failure, describing it as a “failure of judgment”.
They also rejected the suggestion that FIFA’s recent growth was solely the work of Infantino.
According to the three bodies, the expansion of FIFA tournaments, the awarding of the 2030 and 2034 World Cups and the distribution of resources were collective achievements involving FIFA, the confederations, member associations and thousands of people working across the sport.
The dispute could have implications for Infantino’s bid for a fourth and final term as FIFA president at next March’s election in Rabat. Candidates must declare their intention to contest the election by November 18.
CONCACAF president Victor Montagliani is regarded as a potential challenger.
UEFA’s opposition to the private investment proposal proved particularly significant, with the European body having threatened to boycott World Cups if the plan went ahead. Such a move could have deprived the tournament of major teams, including reigning world champions Spain and 2026 semi-finalists France and England.
Infantino has received backing from the Confederation of African Football (CAF), while CONMEBOL is largely supportive. However, the confederations do not vote as blocs, and some members of CONCACAF and AFC have also expressed support for the FIFA president.
The three confederations also criticised an emergency meeting Infantino held with selected FIFA management committee members in Morocco last week, arguing that it failed to address concerns at the organisation’s headquarters in Zurich.
They said football’s governing structures require accountability, openness and collective leadership.
The joint statement comes after Infantino had enjoyed praise following the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada, the first edition of the tournament to feature 48 teams.
The latest dispute has now cast fresh uncertainty over his previously expected fourth-term bid.
