Mansion Sports – CONCACAF has become the latest confederation to declare its opposition to FIFA's controversial plan to sell part of its commercial rights to private investors.

The confederation, which oversees 41 football associations across North America and Central America, released a statement on Thursday afternoon declaring that it "rejects" the proposal. The move came only hours after UEFA announced its boycott of FIFA competitions.

CONCACAF Opposes Infantino's Plan

Infantino's proposal shocked the football world on Wednesday. Reportedly without consulting FIFA's six member confederations, the FIFA President announced a major restructuring by transferring all of FIFA's commercial operations to a separate company, with 20 percent of its ownership to be made available to private investors.

Several confederations, including CONCACAF, had previously issued initial statements expressing their doubts. However, on Thursday, the organization adopted a much firmer position through an official statement:

"CONCACAF today held a meeting attended by the presidents of its 41 Member Associations, together with the CONCACAF President, Council members, and FIFA Council members, to discuss the proposal prepared and presented by the FIFA President regarding the creation of 'FIFA Forward Enterprise' and the sale of interests in the FIFA World Cup to private investors...

"During the meeting, the members expressed deep concern regarding the lack of due process in the development of the proposal, the artificially short deadline that had been imposed, and the absence of any review or approval process by FIFA's competent governance bodies."

"In addition, questions were raised regarding the necessity of investment from private equity firms to finance both the new and existing FIFA Forward programs following the most profitable FIFA World Cup in history. The discussion further reinforced the need for greater transparency and good governance.

"For these reasons, CONCACAF and its 41 Member Associations reject the proposal."

UEFA Takes the Firmest Stand

This move follows UEFA's protest announcement on Thursday. The European football confederation, representing 55 of FIFA's 211 member associations, pledged to boycott all FIFA competitions unless Infantino withdraws his proposal.

With CONCACAF's open rejection, FIFA now appears to be facing 96 "no" votes. Any proposal requires a simple majority to be approved.

Is There Still Room for Negotiation?

Nevertheless, CONCACAF has not fully committed to withdrawing from all FIFA competitions.

Instead, its statement expressed a willingness to negotiate regarding FIFA Forward, the funding program through which FIFA has long provided financial support to smaller football associations.

"[CONCACAF and its 41 Member Associations] have instructed their members on the FIFA Council to engage with FIFA to determine how FIFA's substantial financial reserves can be utilized to enhance FIFA Forward funding for football development throughout our region."

The United States, which will host the 2026 FIFA World Cup and is a prospective host of the 2031 FIFA Women's World Cup, is one of CONCACAF's member associations.

Infantino's Position Appears Increasingly Uncertain

The broader picture suggests that Infantino's position at the top of world football is no longer entirely secure.

Previously, the FIFA President had been expected to run unopposed in next spring's FIFA presidential election. However, there are now increasing reports of pressure for another candidate to emerge.

Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi is among the names being mentioned as a potential challenger, although he is reportedly reluctant to stand for election. The Athletic also reported on Thursday afternoon that several CONCACAF members are beginning to "lose confidence" in Infantino's leadership of FIFA.