Now Reading: Argentina backs FIFA’s Infantino as European nations pull support
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Argentina backs FIFA’s Infantino as European nations pull support
The Argentine Football Association (AFA) has publicly backed FIFA President Gianni Infantino, praising his decade-long leadership and transparent governance, even as calls for his resignation grow. The AFA's letter supported Infantino's decision…
The Story in Brief
The Argentine Football Association (AFA) has publicly backed FIFA President Gianni Infantino, praising his decade-long leadership and transparent governance, even as calls for his resignation grow. The AFA's letter supported Infantino's decision to withdraw a controversial investment proposal that would have privatised parts of FIFA's commercial operations. The proposal had sparked widespread opposition, with UEFA and several European football bodies withdrawing support and threatening a boycott of future FIFA competitions. Meanwhile, Qatar, the African Football Confederation, Mexico, Sri Lanka, and others have also backed Infantino, creating a clear divide within world football ahead of the next FIFA Congress.
The Indian Opinion
The fallout over Infantino's failed privatisation plan is being painted as a north-south split in football. It is more nuanced: Argentina and several Asian and African federations have backed him, while European nations and FIFPro have withdrawn support. The real test will come at the next FIFA Congress. If enough member associations publicly oppose Infantino's re-election, the crisis deepens. Until then, talk of his resignation is premature. Will UEFA actually boycott a World Cup, or is that just posturing?
Sources (2): sports.ndtv.com, sportstar.thehindu.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the 2 sources linked above.
Updated: this story now draws on 2 sources.
