The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has expressed disappointment over FIFA’s recent announcement regarding the proposed establishment of the FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) program, citing a lack of prior consultation. The AFC criticized the timing of the public disclosure, stating that such a significant initiative should have been discussed within established governance frameworks before being made public.

In a statement, the AFC underscored the importance of good governance, transparency, and meaningful engagement in decisions that could reshape the commercial and financial landscape of global football. The confederation emphasized that comprehensive prior consultation with confederations, member associations, and other stakeholders is essential before proposals are submitted to decision-making bodies.

The AFC also highlighted the need for stakeholders to have sufficient information and adequate time to evaluate the FFE proposal in its entirety, including its governance, legal, commercial, and strategic dimensions. This, according to the AFC, is crucial to ensuring decisions align with the collective interests of the international football community and strengthen trust in FIFA’s governance.

As one of football’s six continental confederations, the AFC reaffirmed its commitment to the growth and development of the sport worldwide. The statement suggests that the AFC seeks a collaborative approach to significant reforms and calls for enhanced communication and engagement from FIFA on initiatives with far-reaching implications.