The Argentine Football Association issued an official statement on Thursday night declaring its support for International Federation of Association Football president Gianni Infantino following recent global controversy. In a message published on social media, the organization praised the Swiss official's work over the past decade and addressed FIFA's proposal to sell entity shares to private investors.
The statement was sent on behalf of the Argentine Football Association and its Executive Committee, led by president Tapia. It was addressed directly to Infantino and through him to the FIFA Council. The association expressed full support for Infantino's management during his ten years in office, noting that his tenure focused on developing football worldwide and establishing institutional stability through a clear, stable, and transparent governance model.
Proposed share sale and backlash
The backing comes after FIFA revealed plans the previous week to sell part of its shares to private investors to generate additional revenue. The governing body stated that it required approval from member associations to establish FIFA Forward Enterprise, a new majority-controlled subsidiary designed to consolidate commercial operations and main competitions.
The plan sparked widespread backlash across the global football community, prompting the Union of European Football Associations to threaten a boycott. Following the negative reaction, FIFA backed down from the proposal and canceled the prospective sale. FIFA admitted errors in the process and sent an explicit apology message to its 211 member associations.
Praise for governance and leadership
In its letter, the Argentine Football Association acknowledged FIFA's decision to withdraw a project that had generated far more uncertainty than certainty since its inception. The association emphasized that admitting mistakes and apologizing to member associations prioritized governance standards, which it described as a fundamental pillar for strengthening relations between FIFA, its member associations, and confederations.
The Argentine organization added that Infantino had driven a profound transformation at FIFA by opening dialogue with all member associations and confederations to promote the sport at all levels. It stated that this approach rested on transparent governance, legal structures, and democratic procedures, which keep the football family united while improving conditions for millions of players.
Looking ahead to the upcoming FIFA Congress, the association reaffirmed that the football community should continue working under Infantino's leadership to build an inclusive sport. The support follows a similar declaration from the South American Football Confederation, which also backed Infantino despite the FIFA crisis.
