"AFC stands in solidarity with UEFA (European Union) and Concacaf (North and Central American and Caribbean Association Football Confederation) in expressing serious concerns about FIFA's proposals for private investment and the decision-making process," the AFC writes and continues:
"The fact that the situation has progressed to the point where the possibility of a boycott of the World Cup is now being discussed publicly should worry everyone who cares about the future of our sport. Football should never have ended up in such a situation."
Should be investigated
The AFC further writes that FIFA's proposal is unlikely to be passed, and believes that FIFA should investigate how decision-making is carried out within the association.
British football journalist Henry Winter writes on X that Asia's alignment with UEFA and Concacaf's positions means that FIFA's proposal will not be able to go through.
"It's definitely over, Gianni. 55+41+47 equals loss," Winter writes, referring to FIFA President Gianni Infantino and the three continental confederations' number of member nations.
Defection in protest
FIFA announced on Tuesday that it wants to sell shares in all its tournaments, including the World Cup, to private investors through a subsidiary that will handle the commercial rights.
UEFA and its 55 member associations, including the Swedish Football Association, announced on Thursday that they will boycott all FIFA tournaments "as long as these proposals apply."
Later on Thursday evening, Concacaf announced that it would not accept FIFA's proposal either.
On Friday, Carlos Cordeiro, FIFA's adviser on the White House's World Cup task force, also announced that he was resigning in protest against plans to raise venture capital.
