AFC berates FIFA over controversial new step

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has criticised a new proposal by FIFA to establish FIFA Forward Enterprise, a company that would oversee the commercial operations and major competitions of world football. 

The proposal has sparked debate across the football community, with concerns raised about its potential impact on the sport’s commercial and financial future.

In an official statement, the AFC expressed disappointment that FIFA announced the proposal publicly before consulting the continental confederations through established governance channels. 

The Asian governing body said it had not been informed in advance despite the significant implications the initiative could have for football’s global commercial structure.

The AFC stressed that major initiatives capable of reshaping international football should be developed in line with the principles of good governance, transparency and meaningful consultation. 

It argued that any proposal with far-reaching financial and commercial consequences should first be discussed with continental confederations, national associations and other key stakeholders before being presented to FIFA’s decision-making bodies.

The confederation also called for sufficient time and information to allow stakeholders to fully assess the proposal’s legal, commercial and strategic implications. 

According to the AFC, such an approach is essential to ensuring that future decisions reflect the collective interests of world football while strengthening confidence in FIFA’s governance processes.

The controversy centres on FIFA’s plan to create FIFA Forward Enterprise, which is intended to unify the organisation’s commercial activities and management of its major competitions, including the FIFA World Cup. 

The proposal has generated widespread discussion over how football’s commercial rights and investments should be managed in the future.

Despite its criticism of the consultation process, the AFC reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the sustainable growth and long-term development of global football. 

The confederation maintained that constructive dialogue, transparency and collaboration among all stakeholders remain essential to safeguarding the interests of the game worldwide.