Football's governing bodies in Europe and North and Central America have publicly questioned Gianni Infantino's leadership of Fifa following the withdrawal of a proposal to sell stakes in the organization's competitions to private investors. Uefa and Concacaf released statements on Saturday criticizing the direction of the world governing body after Infantino announced Fifa would no longer pursue the investment plan.

Infantino, who has served as Fifa president since February 2016, is facing mounting pressure as he prepares to seek re-election for a fourth term at the Fifa Congress in March. The controversy surrounding the investment plan, which was criticized for a lack of transparency, has amplified concerns about his leadership ahead of the upcoming election.

Uefa, the governing body for European football, welcomed the decision to withdraw the plan, describing it as a victory for the sport. However, the organization also accused Infantino of failing to uphold promises made during his 2016 campaign for the presidency, particularly regarding transparency and the use of Fifa's funds for football development. Uefa stated that the current Fifa leadership has lost its confidence and that of many other members of the football community.

Concacaf, which oversees football in North, Central America, and the Caribbean, echoed Uefa's criticisms, stating that unity had prevailed and that the proposals were a symptom of leadership that has stopped putting football first. A Concacaf statement called for a "full review of this leadership," citing a pattern of "missteps and similar behaviour" and an "egregious act of poor governance and leadership."

The withdrawn investment plan had been met with significant backlash from various football stakeholders who expressed concerns about the potential privatization of Fifa's commercial rights and the impact on the game's integrity. Critics argued that such a move would undermine the sport's governance and prioritize commercial interests over developmental goals.

While Uefa explicitly named Infantino in its criticism, Concacaf's statement focused on the broader leadership at Fifa. Both organizations emphasized the need for accountability and questioned how such a proposal was allowed to advance. The incident highlights a growing tension between Fifa's central administration and its continental confederations regarding strategic decisions and governance practices.

This episode comes at a critical juncture for Infantino, whose leadership has been a subject of debate since he took office. The calls for a review and the loss of confidence from major confederations could significantly impact his re-election bid and the future direction of international football governance.

Further details on the proposed investment plan and the extent of its support within Fifa's member associations remain unclear. The outcome of the requested leadership review and its implications for Infantino's presidency and Fifa's future operations are yet to be determined.