Mexico and Argentina Back FIFA President Gianni Infantino Amid Governance Crisis

On August 7 2026, the Mexican Football Federation (FMF) and the Argentine Football Association (AFA) issued statements reaffirming support for FIFA President Gianni Infantino. Their declarations followed Infantino’s abandonment of a plan to sell a $4.2 billion stake in World Cup commercial rights, a move that had drawn criticism from CONCACAF, UEFA, Norway’s federation and the players’ union FIFPRO.

The IndependentThe GuardianSoccer-Infantino gains backing from allies as UEFA maintains hardline stance ReutersMexico turns on USA and Canada by BACKING Gianni Infantino as defiant FIFA chief refuses to quit over World Cup scheme

In July 2026 Infantino proposed a commercial subsidiary—FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE)—to sell a share of future World Cup revenue. After backlash, the plan was withdrawn, prompting CONCACAF’s call for a “comprehensive reckoning” on July 30 2026 and UEFA’s threat to boycott FIFA competitions until the proposal is fully withdrawn and guarantees are given. CAF, representing 54 of FIFA’s 211 members, voted to continue backing Infantino. The controversy intensifies ahead of the FIFA presidential election scheduled for March 2027.

Mexico turns on USA and Canada by BACKING Gianni Infantino as defiant FIFA chief refuses to quit over World Cup scheme Soccer-Infantino gains backing from allies as UEFA maintains hardline stance Al Jazeera (website)ReutersThe IndependentMexico breaks ranks and dents Uefa-led bid to oust embattled Fifa kingpin Infantino

• FMF: “The FMF is convinced that football is its fundamental value… we will not recognise any process convened outside of this institutional framework, and we embrace the call issued by President Infantino on August 5 2026 to collectively continue developing football for the benefit of the 211 member associations.”

The Guardian

• It rejected any attempt to oust Infantino without a vote of all members.

Mexico breaks ranks and dents Uefa-led bid to oust embattled Fifa kingpin Infantino

• UEFA: Reiterated its boycott threat, stating that the conditions for ending the boycott—full withdrawal of the commercial-rights proposal and guarantees against future attempts—have not been met.

UEFA maintains boycott threat of FIFA competitions after Infantino's crisis meeting

• CONCACAF: In its July 30 2026 statement, the confederation expressed “deep concerns” about the sell-off plan and called for a “comprehensive reckoning” with Infantino’s presidency.

Mexico turns on USA and Canada by BACKING Gianni Infantino as defiant FIFA chief refuses to quit over World Cup scheme

• “He does not have the institutional trust required to govern FIFA stably in the times we are in. There is no going back for Gianni Infantino,” — Lise Klaveness, federation president

Reuters

The split among FIFA’s continental confederations creates uncertainty ahead of the March 2027 Congress, where Infantino seeks a fourth term. Support from CAF, Mexico, Argentina and other allies could offset the voting bloc of UEFA, CONCACAF and AFC, which together control enough votes to block his re-election. The outcome will influence governance reforms, future commercial-rights deals and the credibility of global football administration.

Mexico breaks ranks and dents Uefa-led bid to oust embattled Fifa kingpin Infantino

• FIFA Congress (March 2027): Member associations will vote on Infantino’s re-election; no clear challenger has emerged.

FIFA's president held off an internal revolt, next is a hotly contested election

• Boycott Threats: UEFA maintains its boycott position until its conditions are satisfied, potentially affecting participation in upcoming FIFA events such as the women’s U-20 World Cup in Poland.

Reuters

• Governance Review: FIFA has pledged to review the processes that led to the commercial-rights proposal, a step intended to restore confidence among dissenting members.

Mexico turns on USA and Canada by BACKING Gianni Infantino as defiant FIFA chief refuses to quit over World Cup scheme