Argentina Football Association Backs Infantino Amid FIFA Row

Buenos Aires: The Argentine Football Association (AFA) has extended its full support to FIFA President Gianni Infantino, even as several football governing bodies continue to demand action over his controversial proposal to introduce private investment into the organisation of FIFA tournaments, including the World Cup.

In a statement, the AFA said Infantino's tenure has strengthened global football and FIFA as an institution. It welcomed his decision to withdraw the proposed private investment plan, which had triggered widespread uncertainty in recent weeks.

The association also said Infantino's willingness to acknowledge the mistake and apologise was commendable. According to the AFA, his administration has brought significant reforms to FIFA and made the organisation more inclusive by opening its doors to all member associations and continental confederations.

Despite the withdrawal of the proposal, opposition to Infantino remains strong. UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and CONCACAF have maintained that further action is necessary and have reportedly decided to suspend cooperation with FIFA. The move is expected to affect football administration and planning in the period following the World Cup, with the opposing federations seeking to increase pressure on the FIFA president.

Football associations from Morocco, Egypt and Nigeria have also announced their support for Infantino.

At a meeting held at FIFA's African office in Rabat, Morocco, Infantino admitted that the private investment proposal had been a mistake and publicly apologised. The change in stance reportedly came after pressure mounted and calls for his resignation intensified.

Although Infantino has made it clear that he intends to remain FIFA president, efforts are underway to field an alternative candidate in the FIFA presidential election scheduled for March next year, with UEFA leading the opposition.

Meanwhile, reports have also emerged alleging that the 2030 FIFA World Cup final was awarded to Morocco instead of Spain as a reward for political support extended to Infantino, an allegation that has further fuelled the controversy.