AFC backs Infantino as he seeks a fourth term as FIFA president

The Asian Football Confederation has endorsed Gianni Infantino for a fourth term as FIFA president. AFC president Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa said Asia was united behind his candidacy.

Infantino dismissed questions about whether he might resign after the failure of the FIFA Forward Enterprise proposal. The plan involved private investment in a new entity that would control commercial rights linked to major FIFA competitions.

Candidates must submit nominations by November 18, while Infantino is seeking to remain president until 2031. He apologised at a FIFA Council meeting in Zurich last week for how the FFE proposal had been handled.

Confederation support

The AFC had previously criticised FFE alongside UEFA and CONCACAF. The AFC later reversed its position, while CONCACAF became divided, strengthening Infantino’s position and leaving Europe increasingly isolated.

Infantino also said all African countries had endorsed him after a visit to Cape Verde and that he was speaking with associations worldwide. Germany and England, however, remained critical after his apology.

Infantino’s position

Speaking to the BBC, Infantino said FIFA’s member associations would decide who should lead the organisation. He said differing views should be respected while arguing that the views of the majority must also be acknowledged.