GENEVA, August 10. /TASS/. The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA), the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) have called for an independent investigation into a proposal by International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) President Gianni Infantino to sell a stake in the governing body’s commercial operations, the three continental football confederations said in an open letter published on FIFA’s website.

Infantino earlier announced plans to sell a stake in FIFA's commercial operations to private investors but later dropped the proposal following criticism from the football community.

"Football is the world’s greatest shared passion. It belongs to no individual and no institution. It belongs to the players, the fans, the clubs, the Member Associations and every institution entrusted with safeguarding its future. It is in that spirit, as confederations representing its members, that we speak collectively today. <...> When trust is broken through deception, when an individual places himself above the collective that entrusted him with authority, that duty has been abandoned," the letter reads.

"This is about something more fundamental: the integrity of the game, and the integrity of those elected to lead it. Leadership in football is not a possession. It is not about holding – or demanding – power to be held. It is a duty of service to the football family that entrusts it," the three confederations added.

Infantino plan

Infantino’s initiative envisaged setting up a company that would control the commercial rights to FIFA’s major men’s and women’s competitions. He argued that the move would increase revenues for FIFA member associations and support the development of football worldwide.

Infantino’s proposal was rejected by UEFA, CONCACAF, the AFC, and the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL). UEFA also announced plans to boycott FIFA tournaments.

According to The Telegraph, UEFA plans to seek a vote of no confidence in Infantino unless he agrees to resign. The newspaper added that European football associations also intend to withdraw their support letters for him. Earlier this year, Infantino's re-election bid was backed by all UEFA members except Germany, Romania and Norway.

FIFA will hold its next presidential election in Morocco in March 2027. Infantino has announced that he will run for another term.