The Argentine Football Association (AFA) has publicly declared its full support for FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who is seeking a fourth and final term amidst a backdrop of controversy and a significant loss of confidence from key football bodies.

The AFA’s endorsement comes as Infantino, 56, faces scrutiny over his leadership, particularly following the scuppering of his ambitious FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) proposal, which would have involved selling stakes in the World Cup. The AFA’s stance is notable given that Argentina’s own national team players and coaching staff are currently under investigation by FIFA for post-match altercations after Spain’s World Cup final triumph on July 19.

AFA’s backing for Infantino

In an open letter published on its official website, the AFA, led by president Claudio “Chiqui” Tapia, lauded Infantino’s “management carried out during the last 10 years.” The letter specifically acknowledged the withdrawal of the FFE project, which it noted “generated, within the football family and since its inception, many more uncertainties than certainties.”

The AFA’s statement, available on afa.com.ar, continued: “It is worth highlighting the assumption of the mistakes made in this process and the apology expressed in the heartfelt message deployed to the 211 FIFA member federations. From our vision, this transformation was based on a model of transparent governance, respect for statutory structures and the follow-up of democratic procedures, essential principles for the football family to be united, firm and working to continue generating improvements in sports and institutional.”

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A divided football world

While the AFA, along with the executive committee of the African confederation (CAF) and 2026 World Cup co-host Mexico, have thrown their weight behind Infantino, the FIFA president faces significant opposition from other powerful footballing regions. European football’s governing body, UEFA, representing 55 member associations, has been particularly vocal in its desire for a change of leadership.

UEFA has threatened to boycott FIFA competitions, including future World Cups, if certain conditions regarding the commercialisation of major tournaments are not met. “UEFA’s associations were very clear about the conditions attached to their non participation in FIFA competitions,” a statement from European football’s governing body on Thursday read. “First, the proposals to sell off the major competitions had to be withdrawn and secondly, assurances have to be made that such attempts to disfigure the game in this way will never be made again. These conditions have not been met. In addition, UEFA made it abundantly clear in its statement on Saturday that it has lost confidence in Gianni Infantino’s presidency. That position holds.”

The FFE plan, which aimed to sell stakes in the World Cup, is now considered “dead in the water” according to GiveMeSport. Despite Mexico’s backing, their regional confederation CONCACAF has called for a “comprehensive reckoning” with Infantino’s presidency, as reported by Reuters.

Argentina’s own FIFA probe

The AFA’s strong endorsement of Infantino comes at a sensitive time for Argentine football. FIFA is currently investigating the conduct of Argentina’s players and coaching staff following the World Cup final, where Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 with a goal from Ferran Torres. The nature of the post-match altercations has led to a probe, though FIFA has yet to announce whether Argentina violated its disciplinary code.

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With the next FIFA Congress approaching, the landscape of global football governance remains deeply fractured, with Infantino’s leadership continuing to be a central point of contention.

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