A senior adviser to Fifa President Gianni Infantino has resigned following the Asian Football Confederation's (AFC) opposition to a controversial plan to sell stakes in football competitions to private investors. Carlos Cordeiro, who had served as a Fifa senior adviser for nearly five years, stated that the proposal was a "bad deal for football" and would "mortgage football's future."

The AFC's decision marks the third confederation to publicly reject Infantino's initiative, following similar stances from UEFA and CONCACAF. The AFC's statement expressed solidarity with its counterparts and indicated that the plan could not realistically achieve the "necessary broad consensus and unity required to move forward."

The AFC highlighted the World Cup's strength derived from the "participation of all Confederations and the world's leading football nations." The confederation argued that "any proposal that risks undermining the unity and universal character of the competition must be reconsidered." This collective opposition significantly jeopardizes the plan's chances of approval, as it would require a simple majority of 106 out of 211 Fifa member nations to pass.

With UEFA (55 votes), CONCACAF (35 votes), and the AFC (46 votes) opposing the plan, the combined opposition, assuming their member associations align, could reach 136 nations, far exceeding the threshold needed for rejection. The AFC also criticized Fifa for setting the direction of travel for such significant initiatives without adequate prior consultation with stakeholders.

In its statement, the AFC asserted that Fifa's failure to consult member associations exposed "fundamental weaknesses in Fifa's consultation and decision-making processes." The organization further criticized Fifa for leaving confederations, member associations, and even Fifa's own governing bodies feeling "sidelined." The AFC emphasized that the World Cup and the sport itself "belong to the entire global football family" and their future "must always be shaped collectively."

The AFC has called for an "urgent review of its governance and decision-making framework" to ensure that proposals of global significance are developed through "proper consultation, meaningful engagement and appropriate oversight." This suggests a broader concern within football governance regarding Fifa's unilateral approach to major strategic decisions.

Fifa has previously defended its plan, with statements indicating that "nobody is selling football" and that the process is continuing. However, the unified opposition from major confederations and the resignation of a senior adviser signal significant internal and external challenges to Infantino's investment strategy.

The developments raise questions about the future direction of Fifa's commercial strategies and the balance of power between the global governing body and its continental confederations. The emphasis on collective decision-making by the AFC indicates a push for more inclusive governance within international football.