Argentina has become the latest football federation to publicly back FIFA president Gianni Infantino, reinforcing his support ahead of next year’s FIFA Congress despite the fallout from the abandoned FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) proposal.

The Argentine Football Association (AFA) praised Infantino’s leadership over the past decade, while also welcoming FIFA’s decision to withdraw the controversial commercial rights project that triggered a global governance crisis within football.

AFA praises Gianni Infantino’s leadership while welcoming FIFA U-turn

In an open letter addressed to Infantino and FIFA’s leadership, the AFA expressed its “support for the management carried out during the last 10 years”, crediting the FIFA president with strengthening football development and governance worldwide.

At the same time, the federation acknowledged that the now-abandoned FFE proposal had created “far more uncertainties than certainties” across the football community.

The AFA also welcomed FIFA’s public apology over the handling of the proposal.

“We must acknowledge the Administration’s decision to withdraw a project that… generated far more uncertainties than certainties,” the letter read.

“It is worth highlighting the acknowledgment of the errors made in that process and the apology expressed… Prioritizing governance standards is a fundamental pillar for strengthening good relations between FIFA, its member associations, and the confederations.”

The federation added that it believes FIFA should continue under Infantino’s leadership heading into the next Congress.

Gianni Infantino support arrives as football remains divided

Argentina’s backing comes at a crucial moment for Infantino, whose leadership has faced unprecedented scrutiny following the collapse of the FIFA Forward Enterprise proposal.

The plan sought to create a new commercial subsidiary to manage competitions including the FIFA World Cup, with FIFA exploring the sale of around a 20 percent stake to private investors. Following widespread opposition from member associations and confederations, FIFA withdrew the proposal and later apologised for how the process had been handled.

While UEFA, Concacaf and sections of the Asian Football Confederation have criticised FIFA’s governance, Infantino continues to retain significant backing elsewhere.

CAF also reaffirms support for Gianni Infantino

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) also reaffirmed its support for Infantino after an Executive Committee meeting in Morocco.

CAF president Patrice Motsepe welcomed FIFA’s decision to withdraw the FFE proposal while stressing the importance of governance and transparency.

“The CAF EXCO unanimously reconfirmed its support for FIFA President Gianni Infantino and thanked him for his support for African football over the years,” CAF said in a statement.

Motsepe added that CAF remains committed to working with FIFA while ensuring governance, due process and transparency remain central to football’s administration.

Gianni Infantino retains key allies ahead of FIFA Congress

The contrasting positions underline how divided world football has become ahead of the FIFA presidential election in March 2027.

While several European federations have withdrawn their backing and UEFA has openly questioned Infantino’s leadership, support from influential voting blocs such as Africa and now South America strengthens his position ahead of the Congress.

The coming months are likely to determine whether more federations follow Argentina and CAF in publicly backing Infantino, or whether growing pressure from Europe and North America further reshapes the race for FIFA’s presidency.