Gianni Infantino’s proposal to sell chunks of the World Cup to US-based private investment has sent shockwaves through football, with Fifa accused of putting the sport’s “soul” up for sale. How is Australia involved and what are the likely ramifications?
Where does Australia stand?
Football Australia issued a statement on Thursday, pleading for more time to digest Fifa’s proposal. “We will only be able to form a position after receiving this information and engaging in further dialogue with our peer member associations and our confederation,” a spokesperson said.
European body Uefa has since announced their threat to boycott Fifa tournaments, and North American confederation Concacaf also rejected the proposal. Fifa then moved to clarify its position, acknowledging and respecting concern aired in public, without substantially changing its proposal.
As of Friday afternoon, FA had not updated its stance.
What is Australia’s position within AFC?
Australia is one of 46 Fifa-affiliated members of the Asian Football Confederation, having joined in 2006 following a lobbying effort led by Frank Lowy.
Though one of the best performing Asian nations in international football, Australia is less influential in AFC affairs, which are largely controlled by wealthy west Asian nations. Bahraini president Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa has been president since 2013. In 2024, AFC abolished term limits for its leaders in a vote opposed by only Australia and Jordan.
In 2023, the AFC backed Saudi Arabia’s bid for the 2034 World Cup within minutes of the country’s announcement, despite Australian discussions around hosting. Saudi Arabia will also host next year’s Asian Cup.
FA’s position on the Fifa proposal is consistent with communications from the AFC.
Where does AFC stand?
The AFC issued an initial statement on Wednesday, which did not rule out support for Fifa’s proposal. The continental body was critical of Fifa’s approach, however, saying it was “disappointing” such an important matter entered the public domain before it could be discussed.
A letter from AFC president Sheikh Salman sent to member associations the following day included stronger criticism, saying that Fifa’s approach was “unacceptable” and undermined the foundations of football. But it also urged AFC members to await consultation before adopting a formal position.
Could FA do with the money?
Unquestionably. Football’s governing body suffered a $15.3m loss last financial year, and $8.5m the year before – despite the period coinciding with the success of the Matildas. Redundancies were made as part of a restructure this year.
Grassroots players have also been impacted, after FA increased its national registration fee by $3 for juniors and $7 for seniors in 2026.
Australia, however, is a relatively well-off footballing nation, with national teams that are financial assets and not anchors. Compared to many of Fifa’s other 211 members, Australia has no need to trade loyalty for a cheque.
What are the next steps for FA?
Fifa’s statement on Friday suggests this saga – and the proposal – has some way to go before member nations are required to formally support or reject it. There is a 53-day deadline for a response, but the story is likely to have a few twists and turns before then.
As heavyweights in Europe take aim at Fifa, FA is unlikely to go against the instructions of the AFC and go public with a position before consultation within Asia.
The game in Australia could do without the distraction, in any case. As the A-Leagues struggle amid the threat of a player strike, and next year brings the men’s Asian Cup and the Women’s World Cup, a financially-strained FA faces pressure enough.
What happens if FA supports the plan?
Australia is unlikely to support such a contentious plan unless the AFC concluded it warrants the confederation’s support.
Even if the proposal reached that stage, Australia would face pressure to align itself with European and North American nations and vote down any privatisation, as would many across the globe in what would be a controversial ballot.
Fifa’s proposal may not get that far, however, given Europe’s hardline stance and broader international pushback.
What is New Zealand Football’s response to the Fifa proposal?
The Oceania Football Confederation issued a statement on Thursday similar to the AFC’s, flagging the proposal will be considered at its early August meeting of the executive committee.
New Zealand Football, like FA, is keeping its powder dry. “Following the news of this proposal this week, New Zealand Football will need time to review, as well as more information from Fifa, before commenting further,” a spokesperson said.
If the saga drags on, however, New Zealand may have to play its hand before Australia. The Junior Football Ferns are, unlike the Young Matildas, a participant in the Under-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland in early September, the next Fifa event. A boycott by Uefa members would bring this footballing civil war to its head, and New Zealand would have a role to play.
