FIFA ‘UNDERMINING THE VERY FOUNDATIONS OF FOOTBALL’, SAYS AFC AS UEFA TALKS LOOM

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has accused FIFA of undermining the foundations of football by failing to consult with confederations over their plan to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors, according to Sport | The Guardian. This accusation comes as UEFA is set to hold an emergency meeting on Thursday to discuss the proposal. The AFC's president, Salman bin Ibrahim al-Khalifa, expressed strong disapproval in a letter sent to the AFC's 47 members.

The plan in question involves FIFA selling 20% of a new company that would control the commercial rights of all global tournaments to Joshua Kushner's Thrive Capital, as reported by Sport | The Guardian. AFC President Salman bin Ibrahim al-Khalifa has doubled down on his criticism, calling the plan 'unacceptable', as stated in Al Jazeera. Additionally, BBC News reports that FIFA could receive its first external money in October, highlighting the potential financial implications of this deal.

This development is significant as it suggests a potential rift between FIFA and its confederations, which could impact the future of the World Cup and other international football tournaments. The controversy surrounds the lack of consultation and the potential consequences of private investment in the sport.

• AFC accuses FIFA of undermining the foundations of football
• FIFA plans to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors
• UEFA to hold an emergency meeting on Thursday to discuss the proposal

Read the original source for full detail available at Sport | The Guardian src