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The Argentine Football Association (AFA) has sent a letter directly to FIFA president Gianni Infantino expressing their backing for the embattled chief.
Despite sharp criticism from the governing bodies of Europe (UEFA) and North, Central America and the Caribbean (Concacaf), FIFA officially stood behind Infantino following an emergency meeting, during which the president expressed regret over the failed proposal to sell shares in the World Cup.
The future of the World Cup remains uncertain after UEFA formally committed to carrying out its initial threat to boycott all FIFA competitions—potentially as soon as the Women's U-20 World Cup, which kicks off next month.
The football world is clearly split on the matter, with Infantino drawing considerable support from various nations. Argentina, the World Cup runner-up, stands as the most prominent nation to back the president thus far.
"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," a statement from AFA president Claudio Tapia read.
The letter concluded: "Given the proximity of the next FIFA Congress, the Association that I proudly preside over firmly believes and reaffirms that the way forward is to continue working under its leadership, in order to continue developing a better and even more inclusive football."
Confederation of African Football Backs Infantino
While Europe has distanced itself from Infantino, backing for the president from the African continent was unmistakable.
"For us in Africa, adherence to governance, due process and transparency is crucial and non-negotiable, as this is the practice and conduct we expect from our governments, business and other institutions and organisations," Dr Patrice Motsepe, president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), stated.
"We are committed to continue working together with FIFA, its member associations, other football confederations and stakeholders to safeguard and adhere to governance, due process, and transparency.
"CAF will also continue to focus on developing our boys and girls football players, coaches and trainers."
A CAF spokesperson added: "The CAF EXCO [executive committee] also unanimously reconfirmed its support for FIFA President Gianni Infantino and thanked him for his support for African Football over the years."
Several prominent African nations have publicly declared their support for Infantino. Morocco, the host of this week's emergency meeting, maintained its longstanding backing of the FIFA president, as did Egypt, despite public allegations of FIFA bias toward Argentina during the World Cup.
UEFA Remains Against Infantino
UEFA, representing 55 member associations, does hold the power to initiate a vote of no confidence against Infantino, though concerns across Europe center on whether such a move would garner enough support to remove him ahead of March's presidential elections.
Croatia is among the most recent European nations to publicly withdraw its support for Infantino, joining the ranks of England, Germany, Norway, and the Netherlands.
Should an emergency vote fail to materialize, European nations will need to wait until Nov. 18, the deadline for candidates to formally declare their intention to challenge Infantino in the upcoming elections.
To claim victory in the elections, a candidate simply needs to secure the greatest share of votes among FIFA's 211 Member Associations (MAs). UEFA's 55 MAs appear poised to vote against Infantino, while the 54 MAs comprising CAF now look set to vote in his favor.