The Argentine Football Association (AFA) has expressed support for FIFA president Gianni Infantino, backing his leadership at a time when the global football governing body faces criticism following the withdrawal of a controversial investment proposal.
In a letter addressed to Infantino, the AFA praised his decade-long tenure, saying his administration had contributed to the global development of football through transparent governance, institutional stability and greater inclusion.
“On behalf of the Argentine Football Association (AFA) and its Executive Committee, we express our support for the management carried out during the last 10 years, which had as its main focuses the development of football throughout the world and institutional strength based on a clear, stable and transparent governance model,” the federation said.
The statement came after FIFA abandoned its investment initiative following opposition from several member associations and confederations. The proposal, which involved bringing external investment into parts of FIFA’s commercial operations, had raised concerns over transparency, governance and the independence of football’s governing structure.
The AFA welcomed FIFA’s decision to withdraw the plan and appreciated Infantino’s acceptance of responsibility over the issue.
“We must acknowledge the Administration’s decision to withdraw a project that, within the football family and from its inception, generated far more uncertainties than certainties,” the federation said.
It also praised Infantino for acknowledging mistakes in the process and apologising to FIFA’s 211 member associations, calling governance standards essential for maintaining strong relations between FIFA, its members and confederations.
The Argentine federation further credited Infantino with making FIFA a more open and inclusive organisation.
“You are leading a management that has brought about a profound transformation of FIFA; that has opened the doors of the organisation to all member associations and confederations, so that through frank and direct dialogue, we can all continue to promote football at all levels and disciplines,” the statement added.
Reaffirming its confidence in the FIFA president, the AFA said it believed continuing under Infantino’s leadership was the right path to further develop the sport.
Argentina’s backing comes amid growing divisions within international football over FIFA’s leadership. While several football associations outside Europe have supported FIFA’s decision to drop the investment proposal and welcomed Infantino’s apology, UEFA has expressed a lack of confidence in the FIFA president.
European football’s governing body has continued to call for governance reforms and warned of possible opposition to future FIFA competitions unless changes are introduced.