The Argentine Football Association (AFA) have published open letter to under-fire FIFA president Gianni Infantino, who is clinging to his job following the scuppered FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) proposal.

Infantino is seeking a fourth and final term in charge but some of FIFA’s 211 member associations have lost faith in the 56-year-old’s ability to lead world football’s governing body following his hugely controversial attempt to sell stakes in the World Cup.

While Infantino’s FFE plan is currently dead in the water, UEFA’s 55 member associations are keen to see a change of leadership amid their threats to boycott FIFA competitions, including future World Cups.

“UEFA’s associations were very clear about the conditions attached to their non participation in FIFA competitions,” European football’s governing body said in a statement on Thursday. “First, the proposals to sell off the major competitions had to be withdrawn and secondly, assurances have to be made that such attempts to disfigure the game in this way will never be made again.

“These conditions have not been met. In addition, UEFA made it abundantly clear in its statement on Saturday that it has lost confidence in Gianni Infantino’s presidency. That position holds.

“Yesterday’s announcement that some people employed by the FIFA President (and whose careers depend on his favour) agree with him changes nothing.”

More Countries Now Backing Infantino

REUTERS/Dylan Martinez/File Photo

However, Infantino has support from other countries and governing bodies. Six countries pledging their support for Infantino were named earlier this week, and more have subsequently followed.

The executive committee of the African confederation (CAF) have unanimously confirmed its support for Infantino.

Mexico, co-hosts of the recently-concluded 2026 World Cup finals, have also backed Infantino despite its own regional confederation CONCACAF calling for a “comprehensive reckoning” with his presidency, per Reuters.

Argentine FA Throw Support Behind Infantino

REUTERS/Lee Smith

And now, in a major boost for Infantino, Argentina’s FA, led by president Claudio “Chiqui” Tapia, have thrown their full support behind the current FIFA president.

The AFA’s open letter, translated from Spanish to English, reads: “On behalf of the Argentine Football Association (AFA), and its Executive Committee, we address you, dear President, and by your worthy intermediary to the FIFA board, to express our support for the management carried out during the last 10 years, which had as its major axes the development of football around the world and institutional solidity based on a clear, stable and transparent governance model.

“In this sense, in relation to the recent events that are public knowledge, we must recognise the decision of the Administration to withdraw a project that generated, within the football family and since its inception, many more uncertainties than certainties.

“That is why it is worth highlighting the assumption of the mistakes made in this process and the apology expressed in the heartfelt message deployed to the 211 FIFA member federations. Prioritising governance standards is a fundamental pillar for strengthening good relations between FIFA, its member associations and confederations.

“From our vision, this transformation was based on a model of transparent governance, respect for statutory structures and the follow-up of democratic procedures, essential principles for the football family to be united, firm and working to continue generating improvements in sports and institutional, which have an impact on a better quality of life for millions of human beings who practice our beloved sport.

“Consequently, by virtue of the proximity of the next FIFA Congress, the Association that I proudly preside firmly believes and reaffirms that the way is to continue working under its leadership, in order to be able to continue developing a better and, even more inclusive football.”

Argentina’s players and coaching staff are currently under investigation by FIFA following the post-match altercations that marred Spain’s World Cup final triumph on July 19.

FIFA are yet to announce whether Argentina were guilty of violating its disciplinary code at the New York New Jersey Stadium last month.

Ferran Torres scored the only goal of the game as Spain were crowned world champions for the second time in their history.

It is now one month ago since Tottenham confirmed the £100m signing of Sandro Tonali from Newcastle United.

Since then, the club’s transfer business has centered around outgoings with players needing to be moved on to help reshape Roberto De Zerbi’s playing squad.

Transfer incomings still need to happen, though, with the north London club requiring further options in the final third as they attempt to challenge for a top-four finish once again after back-to-back 17th place finishes.

Many fans have called for a new striker to be brought in by the club and the same goes for an additional option on the left wing.

Some have also pointed to a new No.10 due to James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski’s injury struggles in recent seasons.

Potential three-way transfer battle

Tottenham are one of three Premier League clubs targeting a move for VfB Stuttgart ace Bilal El Khannouss this summer.

Previously linked with a move to Spurs 12 months ago, the Moroccan instead headed to the Bundesliga club on loan from Leicester City prior to the summer transfer deadline closing for business.

The attacking midfielder enjoyed a strong debut season for Stuttgart last term, contributing nine goals in 41 appearances, and his temporary move was made permanent in May as he penned a long-term contract until June 2029 at the club.

However, a possible exit from the MHPArena is a possibility this summer with Tottenham, Newcastle United and Crystal Palace all interested in the 22-year-old, described as being ‘incredible’.

According to FußballDaten.de, Spurs have made initial contact with the player’s agent and Stuttgart officials to determine the conditions and structure of a potential transfer.

The report states that Spurs are ready to submit a €30m (£25.7m) offer plus add-ons for El Khannouss as they target a new attacking midfielder.

Due to the player’s form and his contract length, Stuttgart are in a good position when it comes to El Khannouss, and it is reported that the club’s leadership would demand a fee between €40-50m (£34.3m-£42.9m) for the ex-Leicester man.

Loans or purchase options below the figure are not to be considered, with a direct payment or binding purchase obligation something that would be deliberated.

El Khannouss competition

Reuters

El Khannouss would give De Zerbi options in the final third due to his ability to play as an attacking midfielder or on either flank.

Tottenham do have some excellent options in the No.10 role in Maddison, Kulusevski and Xavi Simons but injury has restricted their playing time over the past 12 months.

De Zerbi took no chances with Maddison on the club’s pre-season tour of New Zealand and Australia after suffering an ACL injury on tour 12 months earlier.

The 29-year-old did feature in the matchday squad for De Zerbi towards the end of last season but only managed three appearances off the bench.

Kulusevski has yet to feature for Spurs since sustaining an injury to his right patella in May 2025.

However, there has been some positive news this week regarding the Swede after stepping up his rehabilitation at the club’s training base with a running session and some ball work alongside Mohammed Kudus.

In terms of Simons, it will be later in the 2026/27 campaign when he returns after suffering an ACL injury himself back in April.

El Khannouss would strengthen De Zerbi’s options at No.10 and also give him further choice on either wing if he joins from Stuttgart.

Arsenal are more likely to sign Aston Villa centre-back Ezri Konsa than Premier League rivals Liverpool, according to Fabrizio Romano, and he would be an even bigger addition than Bruno Guimaraes for the club.

After adding Illan Meslier and Christos Tzolis to their squad in lower-profile deals earlier in the transfer window, Arsenal chiefs have now gone into overdrive to add some more quality for Mikel Arteta ahead of the new season.

The Spaniard will have some big ambitions for the 2026-27 campaign, including retaining their Premier League title and trying to go one better than last term and win the Champions League.

The Gunners’ squad is clearly strong after what they achieved last year, but they also cannot afford to stay still if they want to remain at the top, with a couple of quality additions needed.

With a deal for Newcastle United captain Bruno Guimaraes imminent, strengthening the attack is clearly a priority after the north London outfit made a big play to bring Vinicius Junior to the Emirates from Real Madrid. However, the 26-year-old has decided to sign a new contract at the Bernabeu instead of moving to England.

Arsenal are looking at other positions too, including at centre-back with William Saliba out for the forseeable future because of injury.

Romano: Arsenal More Interested in Ezri Konsa Than Liverpool

David Butler / IMAGN Images via Reuters

As Arsenal search for some centre-back cover and competition ahead of the September 1 deadline, England international Konsa has emerged as a primary target.

The Gunners have reportedly already had a bid rejected by Aston Villa for the 28-year-old, who has also been linked with Liverpool in recent days, and they are expected to return with another.

Speaking on GIVEMESPORT’s Market Madness podcast on Thursday, Romano issued an update on the centre-back’s future, confirming that Arsenal have more interest in him than the Merseyside club.

“They [Arsenal] will be busy for sure.”

“[There is] Still [a] long [time to go]. I think both clubs will be keen on defenders, so there will be movements from now [until] the end of the window.”

Konsa Would be a Bigger Signing Than Bruno

via Reuters

Bruno Guimaraes is a leader and a quality, experienced Premier League player, and there is no doubt that he will bring a lot to this Arsenal team next season.

Arteta clearly thinks so because the Spaniard was so desperate to bring him to the Emirates this summer, even though he turns 29 years of age later this month.

The Brazilian will provide some competition for the likes of Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi in the Gunners’ engine room, but sorting out the centre-back position is arguably more important.

Saliba and Gabriel have proven themselves as the best centre-back partnership in the Premier League by quite some way, and Arsenal need a competent deputy for the former while he is on the sidelines, to ensure they keep their defensive solidity.

Konsa is an established Premier League centre-back who is now a regular for his country too, and the ‘exciting’ defender would bring that experience that the north London outfit require in the coming months.