The Argentine Football Association (AFA) has formally declared its support for FIFA president Gianni Infantino, backing his continued leadership amid mounting calls for his resignation following the governing body's withdrawal of a controversial external investment proposal. The letter, addressed directly to Infantino, was released on 7 August from Buenos Aires.

What the AFA Said

In its letter to the FIFA chief, the AFA praised Infantino's decade-long stewardship of world football, crediting him with advancing transparent governance, institutional stability, and greater inclusivity across the sport's global structure.

'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 stated.

Background: The Abandoned Investment Proposal

The AFA's endorsement comes in the wake of FIFA's decision to withdraw a contentious investment initiative that had sought to introduce external capital into parts of the organisation's commercial operations. The proposal triggered widespread opposition from multiple member associations and confederations, with critics raising alarm over governance standards, transparency, and the long-term independence of world football's governing body.

The AFA acknowledged the controversy directly, saying: '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 also welcomed Infantino's public apology to FIFA's 211 member associations, noting that 'prioritising governance standards is a fundamental pillar for strengthening good relations between FIFA, its member associations and the confederations.'

AFA Credits Infantino With Transforming FIFA

Beyond the immediate crisis, the world champions' federation credited Infantino with opening FIFA's doors to broader participation. '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 AFA's statement read.

The federation concluded by reaffirming its confidence ahead 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 your leadership, in order to continue developing a better and even more inclusive football.'

The Growing Divide in World Football

Argentina's backing underscores a deepening fault line within global football governance. Several national associations, particularly from outside Europe, have accepted Infantino's apology and welcomed the withdrawal of the investment proposal. However, UEFA — European football's governing body — has maintained that it no longer has confidence in the FIFA president and has threatened a boycott of future FIFA competitions unless substantive governance reforms are implemented.

This is not the first time FIFA's leadership has faced internal dissent, but the combination of a failed commercial initiative, a formal apology to member associations, and an open threat of European competition boycotts marks one of the more acute governance crises in recent years. With the FIFA Congress approaching, the pressure on Infantino to demonstrate credible reform is intensifying.