Argentina backs Gianni Infantino for another FIFA term — but warns on governance

Argentina has publicly thrown its weight behind Gianni Infantino as he prepares to seek a fourth term as FIFA president, but the country's football association attached a pointed caveat to its endorsement.

In a letter dated August 7, 2026, the Argentine Football Association (AFA) praised the transformations within FIFA over the past decade and said it supports continuing under Infantino’s leadership, while stressing the importance of governance standards and institutional stability.

Support with a warning

In its statement AFA acknowledged recent events that prompted the FIFA administration to withdraw a project that, the association said, had created more uncertainty than certainty within the football family. The letter added that recognising mistakes and offering a sincere apology to FIFA’s 211 members were positive steps.

"With our sincere greetings, On behalf of the Argentine Football Association (AFA) and the Executive Board, we address you, dear President, and through you the FIFA Council, to express our support for the governance carried out over the last 10 years, whose main objectives were the development of football around the world and institutional stability based on a clear, stable and transparent governance model. In this sense, given the recent events that are publicly known, we must acknowledge the Administration’s decision to withdraw a project which, within the football family and since its inception, generated much more uncertainty than certainty. Therefore, it is worth highlighting the recognition of the mistakes made in that process and the apology expressed in a sincere message sent to the 211 members of FIFA. Giving priority to governance standards is a fundamental pillar to strengthen good relations between FIFA, its members and the confederations. Likewise, and as we have already said, you lead a governance that brought a deep transformation to FIFA; which opened the doors of the organisation to all members and confederations, so that through sincere and direct dialogue, we can all continue to promote football at all levels and disciplines. From our perspective, this transformation is based on a transparent governance model, respect for legal structures and respect for democratic procedures – essential principles for the football family to be united, strong and to work on continuing to create improvements in sporting and institutional aspects, which translates into a better quality of life for millions of people who play our beloved sport. Therefore, considering the proximity of the next FIFA Congress, our Association firmly believes and confirms that the way forward is to continue working under your leadership, in order to continue with the development of a better and more inclusive football," the AFA wrote.

The endorsement arrives amid heightened criticism of Infantino from a number of member associations. Since the 2022 World Cup in Qatar there has been persistent talk about an "intimate" relationship between the FIFA president and the Argentine Football Association, and critics accuse Infantino of favouring the South American body.

With the next FIFA Congress approaching, the AFA’s message effectively signals support for continuity while urging stronger governance safeguards — a combination likely to be important in the months ahead as Infantino seeks to secure another term.

Photo: press material from the event