CONCACAF joins growing backlash against FIFA and Gianni Infantino
The confederation has broken its silence, criticizing the way FIFA presented a proposal that could permanently reshape the business of world soccer.
The controversy surrounding the commercial future of the FIFA World Cup has intensified. After UEFA voiced its concerns, CONCACAF has now publicly criticized FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s proposal to create FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), a new commercial entity that would allow private investors to buy stakes in the governing body’s commercial rights.
In an official statement released on July 29, CONCACAF said it first learned about the proposal through media reports and was only later informed through an official FIFA communication, a process the confederation described as deeply concerning.
Concacaf Statement Regarding the Proposed FIFA Forward Enterprise
— Concacaf Media (@ConcacafMedia) July 29, 2026
"Concacaf was only made aware of this matter through media reports and, subsequently, via a media release.
We are deeply concerned by the lack of due process.
We share the disappointment of many within our…
CONCACAF said it is “deeply concerned by the lack of due process,” arguing that a proposal of this magnitude was developed and announced publicly before being discussed with the continental confederations, member associations and other FIFA governing bodies.
The World Cup at the center of the debate
At the heart of the controversy is FIFA Forward Enterprise, a proposed commercial company that would manage the business rights to FIFA competitions, including the World Cup. Those rights would cover sponsorships, broadcasting, licensing and ticket sales.
FIFA has said it would retain full control over the sporting side of its competitions, while bringing in outside investors would generate additional revenue to fund the development of soccer around the world.
Pressure grows on Infantino
CONCACAF’s statement marks another setback for Infantino’s proposal. The confederation said it expects every member of the FIFA family to operate according to the same principles of transparency, consultation and institutional accountability.
Its criticism follows similar concerns raised by UEFA, adding further pressure on FIFA as questions continue to mount over one of the biggest commercial changes in the organization’s history.
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