Asia Divided Over Infantino's FIFA Future as Hong Kong Stays Silent
SCMP · 1 SOURCESabout 3 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
The Asian football landscape is sharply divided over FIFA president Gianni Infantino's controversial plan to sell World Cup rights to private investors, with the Asian Football Confederation aligning against him while nations like Indonesia support his vision. The Football Association of Hong Kong, China has refused to take a public stance, with chairman Eric Fok avoiding media appearances as the city prepares to host the inaugural FIFA Asean Cup Challenge Division.
Key Points
- The Asian Football Confederation has aligned with counterparts in Europe and North America in opposing FIFA president Gianni Infantino's plan to sell World Cup rights
- The Football Association of Hong Kong, China has declined to comment, stating they have "no available information to be released" on the matter
- Association chairman Eric Fok Kai-shan has been avoiding every public event where he might be asked to voice an opinion
- Hong Kong will host the Challenge Division of the inaugural FIFA Asean Cup, playing group matches against Laos and Brunei
- The 10-day tournament could be worth approximately US$500,000 to the HKFA, with the final winners receiving US$300,000
- Indonesia has aligned itself with Infantino, who selected Jakarta as FIFA's operational hub for Southeast and East Asia
- The deadline to nominate a challenger for next year's FIFA presidential election is approximately two months away
- The Asean Cup is scheduled to begin on September 24, shortly after the conclusion of the five-week Asean Hyundai Cup
Why It Matters
The silence from Hong Kong's football governing body highlights the delicate diplomatic position the city finds itself in as major stakeholders choose sides ahead of a pivotal FIFA presidential election, while the upcoming tournament represents a significant financial opportunity that could hinge on Infantino's continued support for the region .
The silence from Hong Kong's football governing body highlights the delicate diplomatic position the city finds itself in as major stakeholders choose sides ahead of a pivotal FIFA presidential election, while the upcoming tournament represents a significant financial opportunity that could hinge on Infantino's continued support for the region .