CONCACAF Demands "Comprehensive Review of Presidency": Pressure Mounts on FIFA Boss Gianni Infantino

The continental confederation CONCACAF has further intensified the pressure on FIFA President Gianni Infantino with blunt criticism.

The idea of selling World Cup stakes is 'a symptom of leadership for whom football is no longer the priority,' the association for North, Central America, and the Caribbean stated on Saturday. A 'comprehensive review of this presidency' is urgently required, it added.

Previously, the European Football Union had also sharply criticized FIFA President Gianni Infantino and his leadership. It stated that this leadership had 'lost not only the trust of UEFA but also that of many other members of the football family.'

Infantino's name was not mentioned in the CONCACAF statement, but the message was clear. The future of the World Cup had been negotiated in recent days 'without transparency, without consultation, and without adherence to proper procedures': 'This latest unilateral and flagrant act of poor leadership and flawed governance is part of a chain of missteps and similar behaviors.'

After massive criticism, Infantino had pulled the emergency brake and abandoned his plans. However, CONCACAF was not satisfied with this. Its representatives on the FIFA Council would now advocate for raising 'questions of accountability and leadership' in the relevant committees.

CONCACAF Highlights the Positive Role of the Media

The 41 members of CONCACAF also highlighted the role of the press in their statement. It stated that the press 'helped bring this issue out of the shadows into the light.' This was also a clear message to Infantino, who had previously accused the media of faulty reporting.

The statement concluded by noting that unity had ultimately prevailed. 'When courage, integrity, and good governance lead the way, the game remains where it belongs – in the hands of football, not in those of an individual.'

Infantino had unilaterally proposed selling stakes in the world football association's tournaments to private investors. According to media reports, Infantino had set a deadline of September 19 for member associations to approve, luring them with large sums and the prospect of an even more expanded World Cup. A simple majority would have been sufficient to implement the plan.