UEFA and Concacaf have begun talks to create a combined Nations League tournament involving all 96 of their member nations, in another direct challenge to FIFA that could launch as early as 2028.
Key facts
- UEFA and Concacaf are discussing a joint Nations League tournament, according to the Guardian.
- The proposed competition would feature all 96 European and North and Central American and Caribbean nations.
- The biennial tournament could launch as early as 2028, after the next European Championship.
- The two confederations have come together to push for FIFA president Gianni Infantino's removal.
UEFA and Concacaf have begun talks about establishing a combined Nations League tournament, in what the Guardian describes as another direct challenge to FIFA. The proposed competition would bring together all 96 nations from the two confederations, covering Europe as well as North and Central America and the Caribbean.
According to the Guardian, the biennial tournament could launch as early as 2028, following the next European Championship. The move would represent a significant expansion of the existing Nations League format by uniting members of both confederations in a single competition.
The discussions come after the two confederations came together to push for the removal of FIFA president Gianni Infantino. The Guardian reports that this cooperation followed what it terms the World Cup sell-off controversy.
The reported plans mark the latest sign of friction between two of world football’s most powerful regional bodies and FIFA’s leadership. A joint tournament of this scale would give the confederations their own high-profile competition operating outside of FIFA’s direct control.
The Guardian says it has learned of the talks, though the details reported at this stage remain limited to the tournament’s potential scope, format and timing. No confirmation of a final agreement between UEFA and Concacaf has been reported.
Why it matters
UEFA and Concacaf jointly represent a large share of the world's leading football nations, so a combined tournament outside FIFA's control could reshape the international calendar. The talks also underline a growing power struggle within global football governance centred on FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
Frequently asked questions
When could the joint UEFA-Concacaf Nations League start?
According to the Guardian, the biennial tournament could launch as early as 2028, after the next European Championship.
How many nations would take part?
The proposed competition would feature all 96 European and North and Central American and Caribbean countries from the two confederations.
Why are UEFA and Concacaf challenging FIFA?
The Guardian reports the two confederations came together to push for FIFA president Gianni Infantino's removal in light of what it calls the World Cup sell-off controversy, and are now working on their own tournament.