Key facts
- Mexico and Argentina's football associations have publicly backed FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
- The support from Mexico and Argentina opposes calls for Infantino's ousting outside of a full member vote.
- The Confederation of African Football (CAF) unanimously supported Infantino's leadership.
- Norway's Football Federation President Lise Klaveness stated Infantino lacks the institutional trust to govern FIFA.
- FIFA apologized for mistakes in a commercial rights proposal and pledged to review processes.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has secured public backing from Mexico and Argentina's football associations amidst a growing backlash over a now-abandoned proposal to sell commercial rights to the World Cup. The Mexican Football Federation (FMF) broke ranks with its regional confederation, CONCACAF, which had called for a 'comprehensive reckoning' with Infantino's presidency. Norway's Football Federation President Lise Klaveness demanded Infantino's resignation, stating he lacks the institutional trust to govern FIFA. On Thursday, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) unanimously supported Infantino, while European soccer's governing body UEFA stated its commitment to boycotting FIFA competitions. Asia's confederation aligned with UEFA and CONCACAF. South America's CONMEBOL and Mexico's FMF issued statements rejecting any leadership change process outside the established institutional framework, echoing Infantino's call to continue developing football. FIFA has since apologized to its members for mistakes concerning the commercial rights proposal and pledged to review the processes involved. The fallout has cast a shadow over Infantino's bid for a fourth term at the FIFA Congress in March, though no clear challenger has emerged. Argentina's football association (AFA) acknowledged errors in the proposal but expressed support for FIFA's work and Infantino's leadership. CONMEBOL had previously expressed concerns over 'repeated unilateral actions taken without resorting to dialogue.' The Croatian Football Federation joined individual associations like England and Albania in withdrawing support. Players' union FIFPRO described the proposal as a 'profound abuse of presidential power,' though FIFA maintains all actions complied with regulations, attributing issues to process and communication rather than governance breaches.