Global Football Divided: CAF and AFA Back Gianni Infantino as UEFA Demands Resignation

The political battle at the summit of world football has intensified. Just hours after UEFA and several European member associations called for FIFA President Gianni Infantino to step down, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the Argentine Football Association (AFA) issued major statements backing Infantino's leadership, setting the stage for a global power struggle.

What Triggered the FIFA Crisis?

​The turmoil stems from a controversial commercial proposal by FIFA to sell a minority stake in the commercial rights of the FIFA World Cup via a newly established entity called FIFA Forward Enterprise.

​Following immediate and intense backlash from multiple governing bodies and member associations over governance and transparency concerns, FIFA officially withdrew the proposal. However, instead of quelling the storm, the reversal accelerated calls for accountability regarding Infantino’s leadership.

​The Continent-by-Continent Breakdown

​1. CAF (Africa): Unanimous Endorsement

​Representing 54 member associations one of the largest voting blocs in world football CAF’s Executive Committee publicly endorsed Infantino and FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström.

​Key Position: CAF praised FIFA’s decision to pull the commercial rights proposal as proof that governance is responsive and attentive to member feedback.

​Official Stance: "The Executive Committee unanimously endorsed the FIFA communication and the update provided by FIFA President Gianni Infantino," CAF stated, framing the decision to pivot as responsible stakeholder management.

​2. AFA (Argentina): Praising Course Correction

​In South America, world champions Argentina rallied behind the FIFA chief through a letter signed by AFA President Claudio Tapia.

​Key Position: While acknowledging that the original proposal caused widespread uncertainty, AFA argued that admitting a mistake and pulling back demonstrated maturity and leadership rather than grounds for dismissal.

​3. UEFA (Europe): Demanding Resignation

​Conversely, European football’s governing body has spearheaded the opposition, declaring that Infantino no longer holds the required confidence to lead FIFA.

​Key Position: UEFA’s Executive Committee called for Infantino’s resignation, viewing the proposal as a fundamental breakdown in governance.

​Growing Resistance: Key European associations including Wales, Sweden, Finland, and Serbia have formally withdrawn support ahead of the 2027 FIFA presidential election. Additionally, former FIFA advisor Carlos Cordeiro resigned over the situation.