UEFA, AFC, CONCACAF reject Infantino’s football claim

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has come under fire from three of soccer's six continental bodies after suggesting football belongs to him personally. UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), and CONCACAF issued a joint statement on Tuesday condemning Infantino's remarks, calling them divisive and out of step with the sport's values.

The controversy erupted after Infantino said last week that football "belongs to us" — widely interpreted as a reference to himself — during a speech to FIFA member associations in Rwanda. His comments were seen as an attempt to assert personal control over the sport, a move that has drawn sharp criticism from top football bodies. UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin, AFC Secretary General Dato' Windsor John, and CONCACAF President Victor Montagliani said in their joint statement that football "belongs to no individual" and must remain united under global governance.

The backlash reflects growing tensions between Infantino and football’s traditional power structures. Infantino, first elected in 2016, has worked to centralize power within FIFA, expanding his influence over rule-making and commercial decisions. His recent push to reform the international match calendar has faced resistance, with critics arguing it prioritizes club football over national teams and player welfare. UEFA, which governs European football, has been particularly vocal, accusing Infantino of undermining the autonomy of national associations.

The three confederations have called for unity and warned against further personalization of the game. Their statement signals a rare public challenge to Infantino’s leadership, one that could escalate if more regions join the criticism. FIFA’s next Congress is scheduled for May, where Infantino is expected to seek re-election next year. The outcome may hinge on whether other confederations back UEFA, AFC, and CONCACAF — or side with his vision of a more centralized football structure. What happens next could reshape football’s global power balance for years to come.