Three of FIFA’s six confederations—UEFA, AFC, and CONCACAF—have come together to express their discontent with President Gianni Infantino regarding the recently abandoned plan to sell a stake in World Cup commercial rights. In an open letter addressed to the “football family,” the confederations criticized Infantino’s actions and called for leadership that prioritizes the sport.

Concerns Over Leadership

The letter, co-signed by the presidents of the three confederations, emphasized the need for an independent review of the proposed sale, which aimed to sell 20% of World Cup commercial rights to private investors for approximately $4.2 billion. The confederations accused Infantino of breaking trust through “deception” and of placing his interests above those of the collective football community. “Football’s strength has always been its unity,” they stated, urging for that unity to be respected and for leadership that serves the game.

Potential Boycott and Future Competitions

Following Infantino’s controversial proposal and subsequent withdrawal, UEFA, alongside AFC and CONCACAF, has threatened to boycott FIFA tournaments unless assurances are made that similar initiatives will not be attempted in the future. The confederations are also exploring the possibility of organizing their own competitions to provide players with opportunities to compete amid the ongoing crisis within FIFA.

The letter further criticized a recent FIFA emergency meeting held in Morocco, noting the lack of elected officials present. The confederations reiterated their call for an independent review to investigate the circumstances surrounding what they termed a “profound failure of judgement.” U.S. Soccer and Canada Soccer, which co-hosted the 2026 World Cup with Mexico, have joined the confederations in advocating for significant changes to FIFA’s governance and accountability.

In contrast, U.S. President Donald Trump publicly supported Infantino, suggesting that FIFA would be making a grave error if it were to dismiss him. The ongoing tensions highlight a critical moment for FIFA as it navigates the challenges of leadership and governance in the world of football.