The Argentine Football Association (AFA) has issued a statement backing FIFA president Gianni Infantino's leadership over the past decade. This position stands in stark contrast to that of the Football Association (FA), who are withdrawing their support for his re-election, as well as the Football Association of Wales (FAW), following his botched plot to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors.
AFA's statement of support
The AFA statement, translated into English from Spanish, reads: "Of our highest consideration, on behalf of the Argentine Football Association (AFA), and its Executive Committee, we address you, dear President, and through your worthy intermediary the FIFA board, to express our support for the management carried out during the last 10 years, which had as its main axes the development of football throughout the world and institutional solidity based on a clear governance model. stable and transparent."
"In this sense, in relation to the recent events that are public knowledge, we must recognise the decision of the Administration to withdraw a project that generated, within the football family and from its inception, many more uncertainties than certainties."
"That is why it is worth highlighting the acceptance of the errors made in this process and the apology expressed in the heartfelt message displayed to the 211 member associations of FIFA."
"Prioritising governance standards is a fundamental pillar for strengthening good relations between FIFA, its member associations and the confederations."
"In the same way, and as we have already expressed, you are leading a management that led to a profound transformation of FIFA, which opened the doors of the organisation to all member associations and confederations, so that with a frank and direct dialogue, we can, together, continue to promote football at all levels and disciplines."
"From our point of view, this transformation was based on a model of transparent governance, respect for statutory structures and the monitoring of democratic procedures, essential principles for the football family to be united, firm and working to continue generating improvements in sports and institutions, which have an impact on a better quality of life for millions of human beings who practice our beloved sport."
"Accordingly, with the upcoming FIFA Congress approaching, the Association that I proudly preside over firmly believes and reaffirms that the way forward is to continue to work under your leadership, so that we can continue to develop better and even more inclusive football."
Fallout from the World Cup plan
Infantino scrapped his plan to sell stakes in the World Cup after it sparked outrage from across the football world. UEFA even threatened to boycott the tournament unless the proposal was reversed, with every single member nation voting in favour of drastic action. The saga also resulted in Infantino losing the support of key allies within FIFA, including his senior adviser Carlos Cordeiro.
