RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 16 sourcesThe Asian Football Confederation has said, 'Any proposal that risks undermining the unity and universal character of the [World Cup] must be reconsidered' -Credit:LILLIAN SUWANRUMPHA, AFP via Getty Images
Gianni Infantino's ambitions to sell off stakes in the World Cup collapsed on Friday after the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) joined UEFA (Europe) and CONCACAF (North and Central America and the Caribbean) in rejecting the proposal .
Infantino now finds himself in a vulnerable position as FIFA President — having been warned that he may need to issue an apology to retain his role — after he entered into discussions with billionaire investors and corporations , apparently acting on his own initiative.
This followed Infantino's closest ally stepping down on Friday , openly criticizing the plan to sell off the stakes and intensifying the pressure surrounding his numerous World Cup controversies, via The Mirror US .
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-Credit:INDRANIL MUKHERJEE, AFP via Getty Images
The AFC's official statement read: "The AFC stands in solidarity with UEFA and CONCACAF in expressing serious concerns over FIFA's proposal to introduce private investment into FIFA's flagship competitions and the decision-making process around FFE.
"The fact that the situation has reached the point where the real possibility of a FIFA World Cup boycott has entered public discourse should concern everyone who cares about the future of our game. Football should never have been placed in such a position.
"Against this backdrop, and in light of the clear positions expressed by UEFA and CONCACAF, as well as the unprecedented divisions that have emerged across the football world, the AFC believes that the proposed FFE cannot realistically achieve the necessary broad consensus and unity required to move forward.
"The FIFA World Cup is the pinnacle of global football and derives its strength from the participation of all Confederations and the world's leading football nations. Any proposal that risks undermining the unity and universal character of the competition must be reconsidered."
Meanwhile, new British Prime Minister Andy Burnham said: " This was an outrageous suggestion.
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"The idea that it could even be brought forward shows that, in my view, [he] is the wrong man to lead the organization."
The AFC's stance makes it almost certain that the plans will be rejected by FIFA, which requires a majority vote to pass any such measure. They join UEFA and CONCACAF in their opposition to the proposal.
Infantino's former right-hand man, Carlos Cordeiro, stated: "As a senior adviser to the FIFA president, a former banker, and a lifelong football fan, I cannot stand by while FIFA considers selling a stake in the World Cup.
"Let me be clear: I had no involvement in this proposal, and I oppose it unequivocally. It is a bad deal for FIFA's Member Associations, a bad deal for football, and a bad deal for the long-term future of the game."
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