Argentine FA slammed after releasing controversial Gianni Infantino statement

The Argentine FA have been heavily criticised after issuing a statement to show their full support in FIFA president Gianni Infantino.

The embattled Infantino looks set to stay in his role - at least for the time being - after holding a crisis meeting with other FIFA executives in Rabat, Morocco on Wednesday.

He has been the subject of fierce criticism from across the footballing world, including from a significant number of FIFA member associations, over his proposals to sell minority stakes in the World Cup to a private investment group led by the brother of US President Donald Trump's son-in-law.

The proposal was scrapped after UEFA, CONCACAF and the AFC all refused to back it, meaning FIFA could not have received the majority vote they required.

Despite this, various national associations have withdrawn their support for Infantino to be re-elected at the 77th FIFA Congress in March 2027.

But he still has some allies.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF), comprising of 54 member associations, have unanimously issued their support for Infantino.

"We are committed to continue working together with FIFA, its member associations, other football Confederations and stakeholders to safeguard and adhere to governance, due process and transparency," said CAF president Patrice Motsepe.

CONMEBOL, which governs football in south America, issued a statement on Thursday evening in which it said it would not support any attempts to try and remove Infantino from his position early - though did not exactly issue a glowing endorsement of him either.

"On 18 November 2026, the deadline for submitting candidacies for the FIFA Presidency will expire," part of the statement read. "Thereafter, the FIFA Congress will elect, through the votes of its 211 Member Associations, the person who will lead the organisation during the next term, including overseeing the organisation of the FIFA Centennial World Cup 2030."

World Cup 2026 finalists Argentina are one of three special co-hosts for that tournament, alongside fellow South American nations Uruguay and Paraguay.

All three nations will host one match as part of FIFA's celebrations, though the rest of the competition will be co-hosted by Portugal, Morocco and World Cup holders Spain.

Argentine FA issue controversial Infantino backing

Now, the Argentine Football Association (AFA) have issued a controversial statement expressing their support for Infantino, addressing him as 'dear President' and acclaiming his 'profound transformation of FIFA'.

They also praise Infantino for his 'respect for statutory structures' and 'adherence to democratic procedures'.

"With our highest regards," the statement begins. "On behalf of the Argentine Football Association (AFA), and its Executive Committee, we address you, dear President, and through you to the FIFA board, to express our support for the management carried out during the last 10 years, which had as its main exes the development of football throughout the world and the institutional solidity based on a clear, stable and transparent governance model.

"In this regard, with respect to the recent events that are public knowledge, 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.

"Therefore, it is worth highlighting the acknowledgment of the errors made in that process and the apology expressed in the heartfelt message sent to FIFA's 211 member associations. Prioritising governance standards is a fundamental pillar for strengthening good relations between FIFA, its member associations, and the confederations.

"Similarly, and as we have already stated, you are leading a management that has brought about a profound transformation of FIFA; that has opened the doors to promote football at all levels and disciplines.

"From our perspective, this transformation was based on a transparent governance model, respect for statutory structures, and adherence to democratic procedures - essential principles for the football family to be united, strong, and working to continue generating improvements in both sporting and institutional aspects, which translate into a better quality of life for millions of people who practice our beloved sport.

"Therefore, given the proximity of the next FIFA Congress, the Association that I proudly preside over firmly believes and reaffirms that the way forward is to continue working under its leadership, in order to continue developing a better and even more inclusive football."

Despite the references in the last paragraph, the statement is not signed by any individual from the AFA. Claudio Tapia is the AFA's current chairman.