FIFA President Gianni Infantino is facing one of the biggest challenges to his leadership after three major continental football bodies publicly accused him of breaking trust over a proposed multibillion-dollar sale involving the World Cup’s commercial rights.

UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation and CONCACAF issued a joint open letter on Monday demanding a fully independent investigation into the proposal. The three bodies said FIFA should not control or influence the inquiry.

The controversy centres on a now-abandoned plan to place the commercial rights to the World Cup in a separate entity and sell a 20% stake to private investors. The transaction was expected to raise approximately $4.2 billion.

Although the proposal has been withdrawn, the backlash has continued to grow, with critics questioning how such a major change could have been considered without wider consultation across world football.

Confederations Accuse Infantino of Breaking Trust

In unusually direct language, the three confederations alleged that trust had been damaged through deception and that no individual should place himself above the collective football community.

They called for leadership that serves national associations, players and supporters rather than concentrating power at the top of FIFA.

The statement stopped short of formally demanding Infantino’s resignation. However, Reuters reported that people familiar with the discussions viewed the letter as an opportunity for him to step down before the dispute causes further damage to the organisation.

Norwegian Football Federation president Lise Klaveness has already publicly called for Infantino to resign. She is also being discussed in football circles as a potential challenger for FIFA’s leadership.

Boycott Threat Raises Stakes

The dispute could affect international competitions. UEFA, AFC and CONCACAF have reportedly threatened to boycott FIFA events unless they receive firm assurances that a similar attempt to sell World Cup rights will not be made again.

The confederations are also examining whether they could organise alternative competitions to ensure that players continue to have access to international tournaments if the confrontation with FIFA escalates.

Such a move would represent an unprecedented fracture in modern football administration. UEFA represents Europe, the AFC governs Asian football and CONCACAF oversees North America, Central America and the Caribbean. Together, their members include many of the countries and commercial markets central to FIFA’s tournaments.

FIFA Defends Its President

FIFA has rejected the criticism, describing it as part of a coordinated campaign to undermine Infantino. The organisation has said that any challenge to its leadership must follow FIFA’s statutes and formal democratic procedures.

Infantino also retains considerable support. The Confederation of African Football has backed him, while several national associations in South America and Mexico have publicly expressed support.

Nearly 70 of FIFA’s 211 member associations have reportedly said they will vote for Infantino in the next presidential election. However, several federations have either withdrawn earlier endorsements or indicated that they will not support him.

What Happens Next?

Infantino is expected to seek another term in 2027. Under FIFA’s voting system, he would require a two-thirds majority in the first round or a simple majority in later voting rounds.

The immediate battle will be over the proposed independent review. If the three confederations maintain their demand that FIFA remain outside the inquiry, the dispute could become a wider test of whether global football’s governing body is willing to accept external scrutiny.

For supporters, the controversy is no longer merely about a failed financial proposal. It has become a struggle over who controls the World Cup—and whether its commercial future can be reshaped without the consent of the wider football community.