Which of the following statements about associations and confederations is true?

The statement regarding associations that are members of a confederation but not affiliated to FIFA is accurate. Various football associations operate at different organizational levels, and it's possible for them to be involved in regional confederations without being recognized by FIFA.

This situation can arise in regions where football governance is complex or where certain associations have not met FIFA's requirements for membership, which can include adhering to specific governance structures, financial accountability, or other criteria that FIFA mandates. As a result, these associations can still participate in competitions governed by their confederation, enjoying a degree of regional representation and support while not being part of FIFA’s global framework.

The other choices include scenarios that are not universal or accurately reflective of how FIFA and its affiliated structures operate. For instance, while many associations may be affiliated with FIFA, not every single sovereign state's football association is a member, nor must they all be involved with a confederation, making the claim about every sovereign state's association misleading. Understanding the distinct relationships between FIFA, confederations, and associations is crucial for grasping the broader landscape of international football governance.