CONMEBOL has issued a statement opposing FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s proposal to overhaul the governing body’s commercial operations, declaring that football must always come first.
The South American Football Confederation said it had begun consultations after learning of the proposal, seeking to understand the full scope of procedures related to the commercialization of rights for all FIFA-organized competitions. The confederation called for unity among all actors connected to the sport, and stressed that football must remain above any external interest.
CONMEBOL reaffirmed that its priority would always be football, including its values, its people, and the passion that makes it the world’s most popular sport. It acknowledged that commercial and financial decisions are necessary for football’s development, but said those decisions must always serve the sport and never be placed above its essence.
At the center of the dispute is a plan to create a company called FIFA Forward Enterprise. The entity would sell stakes to private investors in FIFA’s commercial activities, covering broadcasting rights, sponsorships, ticket sales, and competition licenses.
CONMEBOL’s stance aligns with positions taken by the Asian Football Confederation and UEFA, both of which had previously questioned the plan. UEFA went further, warning that if the project proceeds, its national teams would not participate in the 2030 World Cup or other official FIFA competitions.
