Infantino claims overwhelming backing ahead of FIFA election deadline

FIFA president Gianni Infantino says he has the backing of an “overwhelming majority” in football, citing support pledged by Asian and African football associations. His comments come as the 18 November deadline approaches for candidates to enter the March 2027 presidential election.

Speaking to the BBC after returning from Tokyo, Infantino said the Asian Football Confederation had given him its “full support”. He also said all African countries had pledged their backing during a visit to Cape Verde. These are Infantino’s claims about the support he has received.

UEFA and Concacaf have withdrawn their confidence in Infantino after opposing his plans to offer private investors stakes in the World Cup. The plans have been dropped. The two confederations have not put forward a rival candidate, according to ANP/RTR.

Infantino acknowledged divisions in football, saying that differing views were acceptable but that the sport needed to move forward afterwards.