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‘Shock horror’ – Argentina reveal stance on Gianni Infantino after World Cup controversy The Argentine Football Association (AFA) have pledged their support for besieged FIFA president Gianni Infantino. Argentina have gone against the status quo amid increasing calls for Infantino to resign after his failed plans to launch the controversial FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE). UEFA have reiterated their threat of boycotting the World Cup given that the 56-year-old acknowledged the mistakes with FFE, but is still in post. They have 'lost confidence' in his presidency, whilst the Jordanian FA president Prince Ali bin Al Hussein made an accusation of 'blackmail' over endorsement of his re-election. However, Infantino has received backing from the AFA, who released a statement to explain that he should continue as president. "With our highest regards, 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. "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. Prioritising governance standards is a fundamental pillar for strengthening good relations between FIFA, its member associations, and the confederations. "Similarly, and as we have already stated, you are leading a management that has brought about a profound transformation of FIFA; that has opened the doors of the organisation 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. "From our perspective, this transformation was based on a transparent governance model, respect for statutory structures, and adherence to democratic procedures—essential principles for the football family to be united, strong, and working to continue generating improvements in both sporting and institutional aspects, which translate into a better quality of life for millions of people who practice our beloved sport. "Therefore, 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." The Mexican Football Federation (FMF) also support Infantino, who they say is 'continuing to drive the development of football through institutional strengthening'. Little to no surprise Now that Argentina have pledged support for Infantino, fans took to social media to reveal their lack of astonishment with the stance. "Imagine my shock finding out Argentina support Infantino," one sarcastically commented. A second added: "Shock horror Argentina back Infantino." "Are we even surprised?" a third simply added. World Cup questions Argentina had a World Cup campaign that was filled with controversy this summer as fans threw unfounded accusations of bias at FIFA for supposedly supporting Lionel Messi's route to the final. They entered as reigning champions and were bidding to become the first nation to win back-to-back titles since Brazil in 1962. However, their progression to the final was overshadowed by alleged racist abuse of internet star IShowSpeed from fans during their last 32 win over Cape Verde. In their comeback win over Egypt in the last 16, Argentina were saved by VAR when Mostafa Ziko's first goal was ruled out for a seemingly soft foul on Lisandro Martinez moments before. Mohamed Salah was also denied a penalty before Enzo Fernandez's winner, and Egypt boss Hossam Hassan claimed that FIFA wanted Lionel Messi to stay in the tournament. Argentina then displayed a banner that read 'Las Malvinas son Argentinas', which means 'The Falkland Islands are Argentine' after they beat England in the semi-finals. FIFA rules state that 'Equipment must not have any political, religious or personal slogans, statements or images', and later opened disciplinary proceedings against them. The 2022 champions then disgraced themselves at full-time in their final defeat to Spain when their players attacked the opposition. Leandro Paredes and Nahuel Molina were spotted lashing out, and are now facing assault charges.