Gianni Infantino’s campaign for a fourth and final term as FIFA president received a decisive lift this week when Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa, the head of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), publicly reaffirmed his backing. Speaking to the AFC Congress in Tokyo – an event that Infantino attended – the Asian chief declared the continent’s “full commitment” to supporting the incumbent as he seeks a new mandate.
From criticism to endorsement
The endorsement marks a stark reversal from a joint statement issued just two months earlier. At that time, Sheikh Salman signed a letter alongside the presidents of UEFA and CONCACAF, condemning Infantino’s aborted plan to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors. The three confederations accused the FIFA president of breaching trust “through deception” in relation to the FIFA Forward Enterprise scheme, describing the episode as “a profound failure of judgement” unfit for football leadership.
During the Tokyo meeting, Sheikh Salman signaled a change in tone, urging the football community to “move forward.” He told delegates, “I have spoken with many members across the continent. I understand their feelings, and their commitment is clear. Their support for Gianni is very clear.” He added that, while past issues had been discussed, they should not be conflated with the current agenda, emphasizing unity within the Asian football family.
Implications for the March election
Infantino’s support base has traditionally rested on strong alliances in Africa and South America. The AFC’s endorsement could prove pivotal as the voting body prepares for the election slated for March in Rabat, Morocco. The allocation of votes stands at 55 for UEFA, 54 for Africa, 46 for Asia, 35 for CONCACAF, 11 for Oceania and 10 for CONMEBOL. With the deadline for challenger nominations set for 18 November, no opponents have yet filed, leaving the possibility that Infantino could run unopposed.
Potential rivals, including CONCACAF president Victor Montagliani and UEFA chief Aleksander Ceferin, have already indicated they will not contest the race. Their withdrawal further consolidates Infantino’s position, making the AFC’s backing a critical factor in securing the majority of the 46 Asian votes.
Personal exchanges and future promises
In a brief address to AFC delegates, Infantino praised Sheikh Salman’s 13‑year tenure, describing his work as “fantastic.” He promised continued collaboration, stating, “You will continue to do fantastically for however many years you choose, always with my full support and the partnership of FIFA.” When later asked about the Asian chief’s comments, Infantino responded, “I feel great about the AFC’s support.”
Beyond the political maneuvering, Infantino used a recent FIFA Council meeting to apologize for the failed World Cup sell‑off plan, though he stopped short of providing a full accounting of how the proposal originated. He also announced a proposal to increase global football development funding by $3.4 billion (approximately £2.6 billion), a move that could further cement goodwill among member associations.
Meanwhile, UEFA has pressed FIFA for greater transparency, demanding that the organization release key documents and answer all governance‑related questions by 2 November. The request underscores lingering tensions over the Forward Enterprise scheme and the broader issue of decision‑making within the sport’s global governing body.
As the election draws nearer, the AFC’s shift from criticism to endorsement illustrates the fluid nature of football politics. Whether the promised development funds and renewed alliances will translate into a decisive vote remains to be seen, but the Asian confederation’s public support undeniably strengthens Infantino’s bid for another term at the helm of world football.
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