UEFA leads call for probe into FIFA Forward Enterprise row, Infantino under pressure

The presidents and general secretaries of the three confederations signed an open letter which argued that the dispute was not simply about the abandoned FFE proposal, but about the integrity of the sport and those elected to oversee it.

The planned initiative would have established a new company to control the commercial and ticketing rights for FIFA competitions, including the World Cup. A 21% holding in the proposed business would have been sold to a private investment firm.

The plan was scrapped after strong resistance from several confederations, with UEFA at the forefront of the opposition. UEFA has subsequently threatened to boycott FIFA competitions.

Although the letter did not directly identify FIFA president Gianni Infantino, reports have suggested it could be interpreted as an opportunity for him to step down while preserving his dignity.

"When trust is broken through deception, when an individual places himself above the collective that entrusted him with authority, that duty has been abandoned," the letter read.

The statement came after FIFA responded on Saturday evening by condemning what it called a "concerted and ongoing effort" to weaken the organisation and its president.

The three confederations have demanded that an entirely independent external party examine the FFE affair. FIFA has said it will submit a report on the matter to the FIFA Council in October.