Mexico and Argentina stand by Infantino as pressure mounts over FIFA proposal

Support for FIFA president Gianni Infantino has continued to divide world football, with Mexico and Argentina becoming the latest nations to back his leadership despite growing opposition ahead of the 2027 FIFA Congress in Morocco.

The endorsements came as criticism intensified over FIFA’s controversial proposal to sell part of the commercial rights to future World Cups, a plan that has sparked tensions between football’s governing body and several continental confederations.

Africa’s governing body, CAF, unanimously reaffirmed its support for Infantino during meetings in Rabat this week, strengthening the Swiss-Italian’s position as questions continue to swirl over his bid for a fourth term.

Mexico and Argentina rally behind FIFA president

Mexico’s Football Federation (FMF), which will co-host the 2026 World Cup, publicly supported Infantino despite concerns previously raised by its regional confederation, CONCACAF.

In a statement, the federation said it would recognise only decisions taken through FIFA’s official structures and praised Infantino’s efforts to strengthen football institutions and promote the game globally.

Argentina’s Football Association (AFA) also threw its support behind the FIFA president, crediting the organisation with improving football development and governance over the past decade.

Although the AFA acknowledged that the commercial rights proposal had created uncertainty, it argued that disagreements should be resolved internally rather than through a change in leadership.

Africa stands firm as divisions emerge elsewhere

CAF’s unanimous backing in Rabat reinforced Africa’s support for Infantino at a time when divisions are becoming increasingly visible across world football.

South American confederation CONMEBOL also opposed any attempt to remove the FIFA president without a vote involving all 211 member associations.

However, UEFA has maintained its boycott of FIFA competitions, while the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has aligned itself with UEFA and CONCACAF in expressing concerns over FIFA’s recent direction.

FIFA apologises over commercial rights controversy

Following discussions in Rabat, FIFA issued an apology to member associations over mistakes made in the handling of the proposed commercial rights deal.

Football’s governing body said it would review its decision-making processes but insisted that none of its statutes or regulations had been violated.

The controversy has nevertheless intensified scrutiny of Infantino’s leadership ahead of the FIFA Congress, which is scheduled to take place in Morocco in March 2027.

Questions remain over fourth-term bid

Despite the growing criticism, no candidate has officially declared an intention to challenge Infantino for the presidency.

However, several national associations have distanced themselves from the FIFA chief in recent months, with Croatia becoming the latest federation to withdraw its support after England and Albania.

Players’ union FIFPRO has also condemned the commercial rights proposal, describing it as a failure of governance and accusing Infantino of abusing presidential authority.

With the FIFA Congress less than a year away, the battle over the future leadership of world football appears far from over.