Argentina FA backs Gianni Infantino amid FIFA World Cup rights dispute

The Argentine Football Association has given its full backing to FIFA president Gianni Infantino as a dispute continues over a proposal to sell part of the commercial rights to the World Cup.

The association, led by Claudio Tapia, praised Infantino for what it described as “his role in strengthening institutions and expanding football development programmes” during his time as president.

Argentina’s support comes after FIFA acknowledged procedural errors surrounding the proposal and withdrew the project. The governing body has also committed to maintaining transparency in its future work.

The statement from the Argentine Football Association represents fresh support for Infantino as he attempts to strengthen his position amid continuing disagreements with several European football organisations.

Patrice Motsepe, president of the Confederation of African Football, has also said that the CAF executive committee voted unanimously to support Infantino.

Motsepe said the committee, which is made up of representatives from all 54 CAF member associations, recognised the investment and financial support programmes FIFA had provided to develop African football during Infantino’s presidency.

The dispute began after details were leaked of a plan to sell a 20% stake in a newly created entity that would manage the commercial rights to World Cup competitions. The value of the proposed arrangement was estimated at $4.2bn.

The proposal was met with widespread opposition from UEFA and a number of national associations. Critics argued that the plan had been presented without sufficient consultation within the FIFA Council.

Although FIFA secretary general Mathias Grafstrom later announced that the project had been withdrawn, he also issued a formal apology to the organisation’s member associations.

The withdrawal and apology have not ended the disagreement between FIFA and several European associations. Those tensions remain unresolved, while Infantino continues to seek backing from football bodies in Africa and South America.

The Argentine association’s statement specifically endorsed Infantino and highlighted what it regarded as the institutional and developmental achievements of his presidency. It also referred to FIFA’s recognition that errors had been made in the process surrounding the commercial-rights proposal.

CAF’s unanimous vote provides further public support from another major football confederation. Motsepe linked that backing to FIFA’s financial commitments and development programmes in Africa, while Argentina’s endorsement reflects support from one of South America’s leading football associations.

The controversy centres on the proposed commercial structure rather than a completed sale. FIFA withdrew the plan after objections from UEFA and other associations, but the issue has continued to affect relations between the world governing body and parts of European football.

Infantino is therefore facing criticism from some European organisations while receiving declarations of support from Argentina and CAF. The latest developments leave the wider dispute ongoing, despite FIFA’s decision to abandon the project and its promise to follow more transparent procedures in future.

The Argentine Football Association’s position was announced on 7 August 2026.