Argentina Sides with Gianni Infantino
These have been difficult weeks for Gianni Infantino, who finds himself in the eye of the storm following the controversial World Cup and the spectacular failure of his contested plan to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors. His position as FIFA president is at risk, but the Swiss executive has found some allies who could save him—among them, the Argentine Football Association.
“On behalf of the Argentine Football Association (AFA) and its Executive Committee, we write to you, dear President, and, through your influential channel, to the FIFA leadership, to express our support for the work carried out over the past ten years, which has had as its main objectives the development of soccer throughout the world and institutional strength, based on a clear, stable, and transparent governance model,” reads the statement from the Buenos Aires Federation.
“In this regard, in light of recent events that are now public knowledge, we must acknowledge the Administration’s decision to withdraw a project that, within the soccer family and from its very inception, has generated far more uncertainty than certainty. For this reason, it is important to highlight the acknowledgment of the mistakes made in this process and the apology expressed in the significant message addressed to the 211 federations affiliated with FIFA. Prioritizing governance standards is a fundamental pillar for strengthening good relations between FIFA, its member associations, and the confederations.”
“Similarly, as we have already stated, you are leading a process that has fostered a profound transformation of FIFA and opened the organization’s doors to all member associations and confederations, so that, through frank and direct dialogue, we can continue, all together, to promote soccer at every level and in all its disciplines. From our perspective, this transformation has been based on a model of transparent governance, respect for statutory structures, and adherence to democratic procedures: essential principles for ensuring that the soccer family remains united, strong, and committed to continuing to bring about improvements on both the sporting and institutional levels, with positive impacts on the quality of life of millions of people who play our beloved sport. Consequently, ahead of the upcoming FIFA Congress, the Association that I have the honor of presiding over firmly believes and reaffirms that the path forward is to continue working under its leadership, in order to advance the development of a better and even more inclusive soccer.”
UEFA has announced that its boycott of FIFA competitions, including the World Cup, remains in effect despite the scrapping of the plan to sell the World Cup to private investors and Infantino’s apology. The Norwegian Football Federation has formally called for his resignation.
