Asian football chief backs Infantino for new FIFA term after criticism

Asian Football Confederation president Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa has endorsed Gianni Infantino for a new term as FIFA president, reversing his criticism of the incumbent just two months ago and strengthening Infantino’s position ahead of the March election.

Speaking at the AFC Congress in Tokyo, attended by Infantino, Sheikh Salman said: “We reaffirm our full commitment, of course, to supporting you as you seek a new mandate as president.” He said the two sides had discussed their disagreements and were ready to “move forward, united in your support, Gianni”.

In August, Sheikh Salman signed a joint letter with the heads of UEFA and Concacaf that accused Infantino of breaking trust over a plan to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors. The scheme, known as FIFA Forward Enterprise, was later abandoned.

The shift is a setback for those seeking to challenge Infantino, whose current term is due to end in 2027. At the election in Rabat in March, Asian member associations will hold 46 votes, out of a total of 211. Africa has 54 votes and UEFA 55.

Candidates must confirm they are standing by 18 November. The BBC reported that none had filed by the time of publication and that Infantino could stand unopposed. Potential challengers, including Concacaf president Victor Montagliani and UEFA chief Aleksander Ceferin, have indicated they are not contenders.

Infantino apologised for the abandoned World Cup investment plan at a FIFA Council meeting last week, but did not fully explain how it was devised. UEFA has since demanded that FIFA release key documents and answer questions about its governance and decision-making by 2 November. The KNVB has also said it continues to want Infantino to leave and backs efforts to find a European challenger.