FIFA's abrupt retreat from a plan to sell a stake in the World Cup has drawn a measured response from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), whose president now stresses the need for transparent dialogue on any future initiatives. The proposed deal, which would have raised up to $4.2 billion, collapsed after regional bodies objected to being left out of the decision-making process. Main Developments AFC President Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa has publicly welcomed FIFA's decision to scrap the investment plan, which was first announced on Tuesday and immediately drew fierce opposition. In a letter posted on the AFC's website on Saturday, Sheikh Salman said he expects any initiative with the potential to impact global football to be presented and discussed with confederations, the FIFA Council, member associations, and other stakeholders in a timely, transparent, and meaningful manner. The plan had called for FIFA to sell about a 20 percent stake to private investors in a new unit that would manage FIFA events, including the World Cup. FIFA President Gianni Infantino said the governing body had listened "carefully to all the views" before scrapping the proposal. Sheikh Salman, in his Saturday letter, added that the future of global football must always be shaped through proper consultation, collective dialogue, and respect for established governance structures. Read also: Pakistan Police Detain Protesters in Kashmir Solidarity Rally Background The Kuala Lumpur-based AFC is one of FIFA's six confederations, overseeing club and national team competitions across Asia, the Middle East, and Australia. On Thursday, Sheikh Salman had sent a letter to member associations describing the way FIFA made the proposal as "totally unacceptable," signaling the depth of discontent among regional bodies. The backlash was not limited to the AFC; other confederations also voiced opposition, leading to the rapid reversal. This episode highlights ongoing tensions between FIFA's central leadership and its regional affiliates over how major decisions are made. Why It Matters The collapse of the plan is a significant victory for the confederations, demonstrating their collective ability to block FIFA initiatives they perceive as bypassing established governance. For fans and stakeholders, it raises questions about the transparency of FIFA's decision-making, particularly regarding the commercialization of the World Cup. The episode also underscores the delicate balance between generating revenue and maintaining trust among the sport's governing bodies. What's Next Sheikh Salman has called for future proposals to be discussed with all stakeholders in a timely and transparent manner, setting a clear expectation for FIFA's leadership. Whether FIFA will adopt a more consultative approach remains an open question, but the AFC's stance signals that regional confederations will demand a seat at the table on any future initiatives affecting global football.