Infantino cites 211 votes as Asia's Sheikh Salman backs his FIFA reign
FIFA president cites global support following AFC endorsement, claiming the decision isolates European rivals ahead of November nominations.
By Marco Graham ·
FIFA president Gianni Infantino stated on Friday that 211 member associations support his bid for a fourth term, a claim he made while dismissing recent speculation regarding his future. He gave the figures during an interview with the BBC, where he laughed when asked if he had considered resigning.
The controversy over Infantino’s leadership stems from the failed FIFA Forward Enterprise proposal. That plan sought private investment to control commercial rights for major competitions. Infantino abandoned the project, and he faced calls to step down approximately three months ago.
His position strengthened on Friday when Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa, president of the Asian Football Confederation, endorsed him for another term. Sheikh Salman declared that Asia was united behind Infantino. This endorsement aligns the AFC with Infantino after it previously joined European rivals in criticizing the failed investment plan.
Infantino noted he had just returned from Tokyo and Cape Verde. In both locations, regional bodies fully supported his re-election campaign. He stated he is currently speaking with associations worldwide to secure further backing.
The shift in the AFC’s stance has isolated European football. UEFA and CONCACAF previously criticized the FIFA Forward Enterprise. With the AFC now supporting Infantino and CONCACAF internally divided, European bodies have lost a key ally. This dynamic has also highlighted the lack of a unified alternative candidate for the presidency.
Infantino is seeking a term that would extend his leadership until 2031. Nominations for the position are due by November 18. He apologized at a FIFA Council meeting in Zurich last week for how the investment proposal was handled, a gesture that did not change the minds of German and English associations.
The 56-year-old Swiss-Italian official maintained a conciliatory tone in his comments. He said it is acceptable to disagree on policy but that the organization must move forward. He emphasized that member associations will decide who leads FIFA and how the body is run.
