Football confederations develop new framework for world football governance

By Sanjay Menon — 13 August 2026 — 4 min read

Confederations unite for governance reform

Several major football confederations are collaborating to establish a new operational framework for global football. This initiative aims to replace the current system, which some perceive as a patronage-based model adopted by FIFA since Gianni Infantino assumed the presidency a decade ago. 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 repeatedly called for an independent review of FIFA’s governance. These calls have reportedly been unaddressed by Infantino since his proposal to sell a portion of the World Cup became public a fortnight ago.

Sources familiar with the discussions indicate that these three confederations are developing a policy document. This document is intended to illustrate how the world governing body could evolve in the future. The participants in this effort are exploring fundamental questions regarding FIFA’s precise role, its structural organisation, and the appropriate governance model to implement. A significant aspect of their consideration is the financial distribution among member associations, particularly focusing on the optimal deployment of funds from FIFA’s estimated $5bn reserves.

The joint efforts by the AFC, Concacaf, and UEFA stem from a shared concern for the integrity of the game and the leadership entrusted with its oversight. In an open letter addressed to the football family, the presidents and general secretaries of these confederations collectively stated that football belongs to its players, fans, clubs, member associations, and all institutions responsible for safeguarding its future. They emphasised that leadership in football is a duty of service, not a possession or a demand for power.

Concerns over FIFA’s recent actions

The confederations’ joint statement highlighted concerns regarding a recent proposal advanced by FIFA, which they described as having a compressed timeline and lacking meaningful consultation. They noted that this proposal was pushed towards a deadline before member associations could properly review its terms, suggesting it was designed to limit scrutiny rather than being an oversight. The letter also criticised FIFA’s acknowledgment of mistakes as merely a failure of communication, arguing that it was a failure of judgment. Specifically, they pointed to the attempt to sell an interest in the FIFA World Cup as a profound failure of judgment and a fundamental breach of trust.

Furthermore, the confederations expressed dissatisfaction with FIFA’s commitment to present a full report on these events to the FIFA Council. They argued that proper governance, in light of such a significant lack of judgment, would necessitate a review conducted by a fully independent third party, not by FIFA itself, its staff, or any stakeholder within football. They asserted that the FIFA administration should not be involved in conducting such a review.

The open letter also mentioned that FIFA’s own correspondence confirmed the presence of only one elected official at a leadership meeting in Morocco. No FIFA Council members or member associations were invited to participate, with only the management committee, composed of FIFA-employed senior staff, being present. This meeting, where a select number of FIFA management committee members were summoned abroad instead of leadership addressing the core of FIFA in Zurich, reinforced concerns about a pattern of conduct that suggests a belief that the game is answerable to one individual rather than being a collective responsibility.

Potential future actions and leadership

Should Infantino decline to engage with the proposed new framework, it is anticipated that the document could be adopted by a challenger in the presidential election scheduled for next year. Alternatively, it might serve as a blueprint for a breakaway organisation. Following their joint statement, which advocated for “leadership that serves football, not seeks to command it,” UEFA, Concacaf, and the AFC have initiated preliminary discussions about organising new competitions if the current impasse with FIFA’s leadership continues.

One immediate consequence could affect the Under-20 Women’s World Cup next month, which might proceed without European teams. UEFA has indicated that its members will boycott the tournament unless FIFA promptly establishes an independent review of the World Cup sell-off situation and provides legally binding assurances that such actions will not recur. UEFA continues to maintain its pledge to boycott FIFA competitions, as it has not received the desired assurances regarding the prevention of future issues that led to the current crisis.

Victor Montagliani, the Concacaf president, is currently considered the most probable presidential challenger to Infantino. However, Montagliani’s immediate focus is on his re-election as president of the North and Central American confederation next year. The joint statement released by the confederations on Monday echoed sentiments Montagliani expressed at the FIFA congress in Vancouver this year, where he stated that “leadership is not about power.”

Senior figures from European football are convening in person for the first time since the FIFA Forward Enterprise scandal emerged. Several meetings are expected to take place in Salzburg over the next two days, coinciding with the UEFA Super Cup final. Aleksander Ceferin, the UEFA president, is scheduled to hold discussions with Nasser al-Khelaifi, the chair of European Football Clubs, with the aim of strengthening continental unity in demanding a change in FIFA’s leadership.

Source: uefa.com