Mexican Federation Backs Infantino Amid FIFA World Cup Stake Sale Fallout
Concacaf and Conmebol voice concerns as FIFA apologizes for abandoned plan, while FIFPRO declares confidence 'fundamentally broken'.
Carla Rooney
The Mexican Football Federation has publicly supported FIFA President Gianni Infantino, diverging from other Concacaf members.
The FMF, a co-host of the 2026 World Cup, declared its support for "President Infantino's leadership in continuing to promote the development of football through institutional strengthening."
The federation further stated, "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."
Concacaf, however, demands a review of FIFA's governance and supports UEFA's calls for change.
UEFA reiterates its threat to boycott FIFA competitions, while the Confederation of African Football reaffirmed its backing for Infantino.
FIFA has since issued an apology in a letter to football associations, pledging a 'review' following the controversy.
The Argentine Football Association (AFA) acknowledged the World Cup sell-off proposal generated uncertainties and that errors were made.
The AFA stated, "That is why it is worth highlighting the acceptance of the errors made in this process and the apology expressed in the heartfelt message displayed to the 211 member associations of Fifa."
That is why it is worth highlighting the acceptance of the errors made in this process and the apology expressed in the heartfelt message displayed to the 211 member associations of Fifa.
The AFA added, "Prioritising governance standards is a fundamental pillar for strengthening good relations between Fifa, its member associations and the confederations."
Infantino's plan to commercialise World Cup profits via the FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) was abandoned.
FIFPRO claims the FFE's withdrawal prevented an irreversible decision, but it did not restore the confidence that made such a proposal possible.
That confidence, FIFPRO claims, has now been fundamentally broken.
Conmebol expressed concern about unilateral actions taken without dialogue, while Infantino faces criticism for his 2026 World Cup plans.
Other associations, including Sweden, Finland, and Serbia, have also withdrawn support for Infantino.
The Norwegian federation's stance was confirmed after a meeting on Thursday; boycotts and letters of no confidence from various individual federations are expected to continue.
Amidst these governance disputes, midfielder Leandro Paredes reportedly faces serious individual charges, including three counts of assault, potentially leading to a nine-match suspension.
Coach Roberto Ayala is also under scrutiny for post-match events, and speculation claims Mexico would like to switch confederations to join Conmebol.
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