Argentina, Mexico Join Africa in Backing FIFA President Infantino Amid Backlash

The growing divide in world football became more pronounced as the Argentine Football Association (AFA) and the Mexican Football Federation (FMF) declared their support for FIFA President Gianni Infantino, just one day after African federations voted unanimously in favor of the leader of the global football governing body.

Infantino has faced intense backlash after FIFA withdrew a proposal to sell some commercial rights for the World Cup and other tournaments. Following a meeting in Rabat, Morocco, this week, FIFA apologized to members for shortcomings in the proposal's development and pledged to review the process, while still defending its president.

Infantino's biggest opponent is now UEFA, Europe's football governing body, which confirmed it maintains its boycott of FIFA. The Norwegian Football Federation (NFF) has called on Infantino to resign.

Why is Argentina and Mexico's support significant?

Though just national federations, the moves by Mexico and Argentina give Infantino a significant boost and serve as a prime example of the 'civil war' within the beautiful game.

The Mexican Football Federation (FMF) — co-host of the recently concluded 2026 World Cup — broke ranks with its regional body CONCACAF, which had earlier called for a 'comprehensive review' of Infantino's position. The FMF stated it would not recognize any process organized outside the current institutional framework and supported Infantino's leadership in developing football for the benefit of all 211 member associations.

The South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) also issued a statement rejecting any efforts to remove Infantino without a vote by all 211 members, directly opposing UEFA's stance. In a letter to Infantino, the AFA — whose Argentine team failed to defend its 2022 World Cup title after losing in the 2026 final — expressed its absolute support, citing FIFA's work over the past decade focused on global football development and a transparent, stable governance model.

The AFA acknowledged the commercial proposal caused instability and had flaws, but said the path forward is to continue working under FIFA's leadership ahead of next year's Congress, scheduled for March in Morocco. Infantino is expected to face a challenge for the presidency, though he ran uncontested in his previous two re-elections.

How important is Africa's backing?

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) on Thursday unanimously endorsed Infantino's leadership. Africa is the second-largest regional confederation with 54 members, one fewer than UEFA. This is a crucial number for Infantino to counterbalance UEFA, especially if he continues to receive support from parts of Asia.

CAF President Patrice Motsepe is a long-time ally of Infantino, but the unanimous support of all African members strengthens Infantino's position ahead of short-term challenges as well as a potential campaign for a fourth term.

Norway calls for resignation

Norwegian Football Federation (NFF) President Lise Klaveness on Friday called for Infantino to resign, saying he no longer has the confidence of the football community.

'He does not have the institutional credibility needed to lead FIFA stably at this time. There is no way back for Gianni Infantino. International football cooperation is in deep trouble, and we need a reason to come together. We want to ask the FIFA President to resign immediately,' Klaveness told reporters after the NFF's regular board meeting.

Asia's stance

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) declared 'solidarity' with UEFA and CONCACAF. AFC President Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa had earlier called the plan to sell World Cup stakes to private investors 'completely unacceptable' as it would weaken the current continental structure. The AFC has not threatened a boycott but welcomed Infantino's withdrawal of the proposal.

Notably, Sheikh Salman lost to Infantino in the 2016 election and has been rumored to run again. Indonesia, Qatar, Kuwait, Sri Lanka, and the Philippines — all AFC members — have voiced support for Infantino.

Other voices

The Croatian Football Federation on Thursday retracted its support for Infantino, following similar moves from England and Albania. Croatia said the decision was made after carefully reviewing developments surrounding the 2026 World Cup.

On the same day, players' union FIFPRO called Infantino's proposal a governance failure and a 'serious abuse of presidential power.'

FIFA insisted all actions related to the commercial proposal were compliant with regulations, emphasizing that the flaws were in procedure and communication, not violations of governance principles.