The "open letter to the football family" was co-signed by Salman Bin Ibrahim Al-Khalifa, president of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC); Aleksander Ceferin, president of the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA); and Victor Montagliani, president of the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF), along with three secretaries-general.

The letter opened with the declaration that "football does not belong to any individual or organization". While acknowledging football's growth over the past decade during FIFA President Gianni Infantino's tenure, the signatories credited this progress to FIFA, its member associations, and the thousands who have dedicated their lives to the sport. They emphasized that all decisions must be collectively made, fostering the fundamental principle of "integrity".

FIFA President Gianni Infantino (left) speaks with UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin after a speech at UEFA's 50th annual congress in Brussels, Belgium, on 12/2/2026. Photo: AFP

FIFA President Gianni Infantino stands accused of violating this principle through his proposed, though later canceled, plan to sell World Cup commercial rights shares. While not directly calling for a leadership change, the letter from AFC, UEFA, and CONCACAF asserts that Infantino betrayed trust and demands an independent, comprehensive investigation into the events.

The letter stated, "When trust is broken by deceit, when an individual places himself above the collective that empowered him, then that duty has been abandoned." It continued, "The strength of football has always been in unity. We call for that unity to be honored now, for a leader who serves football, not one who seeks to dominate it."

Previously, the Swiss president proposed a plan to separate the World Cup's commercial rights, intending to sell a 20% stake to private investors for approximately 4,2 billion USD. Infantino believed this would significantly boost financial resources for football development. However, he made this decision unilaterally, without consultation. He also promised that federations supporting the plan before 19/9 would receive up to 20 million USD, along with greater support over the subsequent three World Cup cycles. The proposal immediately drew widespread opposition from UEFA, AFC, CONCACAF, and numerous member federations, compelling FIFA to cancel the plan.

Backed by AFC and CONCACAF, UEFA had previously threatened to boycott FIFA tournaments until a guarantee was given that no similar plans would be proposed in the future.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino (left) speaks with Mexican Football Federation President Mikel Arriola, with CONCACAF President Victor Montagliani on the right, before the Mexico vs. Ecuador round of 16 match at the 2026 World Cup in Mexico City, Mexico, on 30/6/2026. Photo: AFP

On 5/8, FIFA issued an apology for errors associated with the failed plan. The organization also communicated that senior staff at an emergency meeting in Morocco had "reaffirmed absolute support" for President Infantino's tenure.

However, the letter from AFC, UEFA, and CONCACAF criticized the nature of this meeting. It noted that no FIFA Council members or member federations were invited; only the management committee, composed of senior staff recruited by FIFA, was present.

The letter condemned the situation, stating, "This is a failure in communication, while what football witnessed was a wrong and unwise decision." It further added, "No one has yet admitted that trying to sell World Cup shares was a wrong decision. It was not merely a procedural oversight; it violated the core trust in the very organizations FIFA was established to serve."

Reuters reported that the three confederations view this letter as an opportunity for Infantino, who is seeking re-election as FIFA President for the next term, to resign honorably. They are also exploring the possibility of organizing internal tournaments to provide playing opportunities for athletes amidst the ongoing crisis with FIFA.

Previously, the Norwegian Football Federation had called for Infantino's resignation, and the English Football Association withdrew its support for his re-election in 3/2027. Conversely, the Confederation of African Football (CAF), representing its 54 members, has backed the incumbent FIFA President, as have Mexico (a CONCACAF member), the Philippines, and Indonesia (both AFC members).

While nearly 70 of FIFA's 211 member federations have publicly pledged to vote for Infantino, approximately 10 have since withdrawn their earlier support. To secure re-election, Infantino must garner two-thirds of the votes in the first round or a simple majority in subsequent rounds.

PSG President Nasser Al Khelaifi reportedly has support from some UEFA members, but sources close to him confirm he has no intention of running for the presidency due to his numerous other significant commitments. CONCACAF President Victor Montagliani, who currently serves as one of FIFA's vice presidents, is also being mentioned as a potential candidate.

By Trung Thu