Argentina back Gianni Infantino and close in on being handed World Cup 2030 perk in return

ARGENTINA have given their backing to Fifa president Gianni Infantino amid rising pressure on his position. Infantino is under massive scrutiny after his failed bid to sell off chunks of the World Cup. Argentina have given their backing to Gianni Infantino despite calls for him to quit Credit: Alamy The Fifa chief is under immense pressure after his plot to sell off chunks of the World Cup Credit: PA The Swiss chief wanted to create a subsidiary called Fifa Forward Enterprise, which would have overseen football’s biggest tournament and allowed investors to claim a stake in it. The proposals were widely condemned by a number of federations, including Uefa – who threatened a boycott of Fifa tournaments. Sign up for the Football newsletter Thank you! They were joined by Concacaf and the AFC, while the English FA and Welsh FA have revoked their support for Infantino. The 56-year-old has had some support, including from Qatar and the Mexican FA, which broke rank with Concacaf to pledge allegiance to him. And now the Argentinian FA have released a statement vowing to stick by Infantino in spite of calls for him to step down. The federation – who are also hoping to host a full group phase at the 2030 World Cup – admitted Fifa were right to withdraw from their World Cup plan and praised Infantino after he apologised for the debacle. But they insisted he he had their full backing going forwards. Their statement read: “On behalf of the Argentine Football Association (AFA), and its Executive Committee, we address you, dear President, and through you to the FIFA board, to express our support for the management carried out during the last 10 years, which had as its main axes the development of football throughout the world and the institutional solidity based on a clear, stable and transparent governance model. Most read in Sport BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK Infantino has vowed to fight on but has backing from Conmebol, Mexico and Qatar Credit: PA “In this regard, with respect to the recent events that are public knowledge, we must acknowledge the Administration’s decision to withdraw a project that, within the football family and from its inception, generated far more uncertainties than certainties. “Therefore, it is worth highlighting the acknowledgment of the errors made in that process and the apology expressed in the heartfelt message sent to FIFA’s 211 member associations. “You are leading a management that has brought about a profound transformation of FIFA; that has opened the doors of the organization to all member associations and confederations, so that through frank and direct dialogue, we can all continue to promote football at all levels and disciplines.” The AFA went on to say they “believe that the way forward is to continue working under its leadership, in order to continue developing a better and even more inclusive football”. It comes after Conmebol – which presides over South American football – said it would not back a vote to oust Infantinol. He apologised over his controversial proposals and admitted mistakes were made Credit: AP Uefa have withdrawn their support for Infantino with their chief Alexander Ceferin a candidate to run against him Credit: Getty The next World Cup will be co-hosted by Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay, alongside main hosts Spain, Portugal and Morocco. The South American sides are currently due to host one game each, but AFA chief Chiqui Tapia wants Argentina to host an entire group phase – especially if the tournament expands to 64 teams. He told Diario Ole: “If we start thinking that we are half an hour from Uruguay and an hour and a half from Paraguay and we can do a complete phase in our country.” Decisions over the World Cup will take a back seat for now as Fifa grapples with the Infantino crisis after holding an emergency meeting in Rabat, Morocco. Infantino has vowed to fight on after admitting mistakes were made after global outcry over the contentious proposals. He is likely to face stiff opposition ahead of the Fifa presidential elections on March 18, 2027. Uefa chief Alexander Ceferin is said to be a candidate, as well as PSG chief Nasser Al-Khelaifi, Arsene Wenger and Concacaf chief Victor Montagliani. Comment now