Argentina and Mexico join Africa in backing FIFA’s Infantino: What to know

World football is experiencing a deepening rift as Argentina and Mexico declared their support for FIFA President Gianni Infantino. This move comes just a day after the African continent unanimously voted to back the embattled leader of the global governing body.

“

The FMF will neither recognise nor ‌approve any process convened outside of that institutional framework, and it joins the call made … by President Infantino to collectively continue developing football for the benefit of the 211 member associations.

Infantino has been under intense criticism for a now-scrapped plan to sell commercial rights for the World Cup and other FIFA events. While FIFA has since apologized for the proposal's handling and pledged to review its processes, the controversy has exposed a significant division within the sport.

UEFA, Europe's football governing body, remains Infantino's staunchest opponent, confirming its vote to boycott FIFA. Norway, a UEFA member, has even called for the Swiss-Italian's resignation. In contrast, the Mexican Football Federation (FMF) and Argentina's Football Association (AFA) have publicly backed Infantino.

“

The FMF supports President Infantino’s leadership in continuing to promote the development of football through institutional strengthening.

The FMF stated it supports Infantino's leadership in developing football through institutional strengthening, even breaking ranks with CONCACAF, which had called for a review of his presidency. Similarly, the AFA cited FIFA's decade-long focus on global football development and governance. South America's CONMEBOL also issued a statement rejecting any ouster attempt not involving a vote of all 211 members, countering UEFA's stance.

“

centred on the development of football worldwide and institutional strength based on a clear, stable, and transparent governance model