In a joint statement, the three confederations said the dispute was ultimately about “the integrity of the game” and urged FIFA leadership to take greater responsibility over the decision-making process.
“Football is the world’s greatest shared passion. It belongs to no individual and no institution,” they said, adding that the sport belongs to players, fans, clubs, member associations and institutions responsible for protecting its future.
The confederations said FIFA’s recent letter to its vice presidents and 211 member associations acknowledged mistakes in the process but described them as a communication failure.
They argued that the issue went beyond communication, saying the proposal was introduced on a shortened timeline without meaningful consultation and with a deadline that restricted member associations’ ability to properly assess its terms.
The three bodies also said FIFA had failed to recognize that the proposal itself was fundamentally flawed, describing the attempt to sell an interest in the World Cup as a serious failure of judgment and a breach of trust with the institutions FIFA is intended to serve.
Confederations call for independent review
The confederations called for an independent third-party review of the episode, saying FIFA should not investigate the matter itself or use its staff or other football stakeholders to conduct the process.
They also called for the preservation of all relevant documents and records related to the proposal.
The statement raised further concerns over a recent FIFA leadership meeting in Morocco, saying FIFA’s own account showed that only one elected official attended and that no FIFA Council members or member associations were invited.
Instead, the meeting was attended by senior FIFA staff serving on the management committee.
The confederations said the decision to bring a select group of management committee members abroad instead of addressing the issue at FIFA’s headquarters in Zurich reinforced concerns over the organization’s governance.
They said the episode reflected a pattern of conduct inconsistent with FIFA’s role as a guardian of football.
“There is silence where there should be accountability, distance where there should be openness. These are not the qualities football deserves in its leadership,” they said.
The statement followed UEFA’s decision to continue boycotting FIFA competitions despite FIFA President Gianni Infantino withdrawing the proposal and apologizing over its handling.
FIFA abandoned the plan after it faced widespread opposition from football organizations.
UEFA had previously said its member associations would boycott FIFA competitions if the proposal moved forward.