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Qatar has formally challenged the Asian Football Confederation's decision to join UEFA and CONCACAF in attacking FIFA President Gianni Infantino, claiming it was not consulted and questioning whether the AFC had authority to speak for all 47 members.
Japan's Football Association has opened an investigation into four of its referees implicated in South Korea's Korea Football Association sexual bribery scandal. The controversy centers on alleged entertainment payments made during 2011-2012 matches.
FIFA has issued a strong statement defending Gianni Infantino's leadership and rejecting any presidential election process conducted outside its official statutes, as internal divisions intensify ahead of his fourth-term candidacy.
FIFA has apologised for mishandling a World Cup commercial rights proposal and promised governance reviews, but the crisis has exposed systemic decision-making failures that are unlikely to disappear before the 2027 presidential election.
FIFA distributed pre-written letters endorsing President Gianni Infantino's re-election to national football associations ahead of the World Cup, with association leaders' names pre-filled. The move has drawn criticism amid broader governance concerns.