Fast, factual wire coverage from across Malaysia and the region.
Qatar has escalated its dispute with the Asian Football Confederation, arguing the body lacked authority to sign a letter criticizing FIFA President Gianni Infantino without consulting its 47 member associations on governance grounds.
FIFA has publicly rallied behind Gianni Infantino following a crisis over abandoned World Cup commercial rights proposals, but governance questions are set to dominate football's agenda long after the immediate political storm passes.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino's re-election bid faces mounting pressure after failed attempts to sell World Cup stakes to private investors. Several prominent football leaders are emerging as potential challengers for the 2027-2031 presidency.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has shelved controversial plans to sell a 20% stake in a proposed US$20 billion World Cup subsidiary to private investors, citing divisions among stakeholders that contradicted the organisation's unifying mission.
The Asian Football Confederation has rejected FIFA's plan to privatise World Cup management, joining UEFA and CONCACAF in opposition. The unified stance from three continental bodies threatens the proposal's viability and raises questions about Gianni Infantino's leadership.