The Asian Football Confederation has endorsed Gianni Infantino’s bid for a fourth term as FIFA president, strengthening his position ahead of the leadership election.

AFC President Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa said Asia was united behind Infantino. The endorsement comes after the organisation had previously joined UEFA and CONCACAF in criticising the FIFA Forward Enterprise proposal.

The proposal sought private investment in a new entity that would control commercial rights connected to major FIFA competitions. It was later abandoned, prompting calls for Infantino to resign.

Infantino dismisses resignation questions

Speaking to the BBC, Infantino laughed off a question about whether he had considered stepping down following the collapse of the proposal.

“I was elected by 211 member associations from all over the world,” Infantino said. “I think what is important is that in an organisation like FIFA, there can be different views, different points of view.”

He said FIFA’s decision-making process required respect for differing opinions, while also arguing that the views of the majority should be recognised.

“But if we are serious about democracy, about the democratic process, about believing that everyone has the same vote and the same voice all over the world, that football belongs to everyone … then we need to respect as well the views of the vast, vast majority,” he said.

Infantino also cited support from football associations in Asia and Africa and said he was engaging with associations in other parts of the world.

“I’m just coming back off Tokyo where the Asian Football Confederation has fully endorsed me. I was in Cape Verde where all African countries have endorsed me. I’m speaking to all associations everywhere in the world,” he said.

European concerns remain

Infantino apologised at a FIFA Council meeting in Zurich for the way the FIFA Forward Enterprise proposal had been handled. However, the apology did not persuade some European football associations, including Germany and England.

The AFC’s change in position has strengthened Infantino’s re-election prospects, while CONCACAF is described as divided. The supplied report also says there is no viable alternative candidate identified for the presidency.

Infantino said FIFA’s member associations would ultimately determine the organisation’s leadership and direction.

“Then, it will be up to the FIFA member associations to decide who they want as a president and how they want FIFA to be run,” he said.

Infantino is seeking a fourth term that would run until 2031. Potential candidates must submit their nominations by November 18.