Asian soccer split over Infantino's World Cup sell-off plan

World Cup 2026AFC attacks FIFA's 'unilateral actions' as member associations weigh cash on offerU.S. leader Donald Trump, left, speaks with FIFA President Gianni Infantino as confetti falls after the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina in New Jersey on July 19. © APJOHN DUERDENJuly 31, 2026 12:02 JSTLONDON -- FIFA President Gianni Infantino's proposal to sell a minority stake in the World Cup to private investors has sent shock waves through global soccer and exposed a split in Asia between the institutional opposition of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and the financial pragmatism of many of its member associations.