It's over, Gianni. Infantinoโs plan to invite venture capitalists to buy a stake in the World Cup and other FIFA tournaments is dead in the water. It's over. CONCACAF follows UEFA in rejecting his divisive plan. So thatโs 41 + 55 national associations of the 211 against. So far. Strong statement from CONCACAF, echoing UEFAโs. "CONCACAF is a confederation united by the love of our game, where football comes first. Guided by this philosophy over the past 10 years we have built, from the ground up, an organization founded on service, transparent governance, and the long-term stewardship of football. History has shown FIFA and the football family what happens when the custodians of the game lose sight of these values.โ
The confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football convened meeting of its 41 members to discuss the โFIFA Forward Enterpriseโ, Infantinoโs plan โto sell interests in the FIFA World Cup to private investorsโ.
Infantinoโs handling of the process, rushing decision-making, drew criticism. โDuring the meeting, the membership expressed deep concerns about the lack of due process surrounding the proposal, the artificially short deadline imposed, and the absence of any review or approval by the relevant FIFA governance bodies. In addition, the need for private equity investment to fund new and existing FIFA Forward programs following the most profitable FIFA World Cup in history was questioned. The discussion reinforced the need for greater transparency and proper governance.โ
So CONCACAF and its 41 membersโฆ
โRejected the proposal;
Tasked their FIFA Council Members with engaging FIFA to determine how existing FIFA reserves could be used to increase FIFA Forward funding for football development across our region;
And tasked their FIFA Council Members with instructing the FIFA President to ensure that any matter follows the proper governance processes via staff and FIFA Council, in accordance with the FIFA Statutes.
โThrough these actions, CONCACAF reaffirms that football's future - and its greatest asset - must remain in the hands of our football family.โ ๐๐
๐จ NEW: Carlos Queiroz has NOT officially written and/or communicated anything official to the ๐ฌ๐ญ Ghana FA about an intention to leave.
Post on his official Facebook page which says "I leave this journey with pride..." came as a surprise to authorities, especially because he is on a four-month contract that is yet to expire.
Statement is causing uncertainty because it is not clear if he means "I leave the [World Cup] journey with pride" or "I leave the [Black Stars] journey with pride."
Clarification to be sought from the 73-year-old.
More to follow.
PSG boss Luis Enrique:
"I don't think there's a favorite... the devil is in the detail. It will be a very close call."
"They love the ball, but they're the best team in Europe without it. Last year was exceptional against Inter, but this will be different."
#PSGARS