Infantino Takes FIFA Re-Election Battle to Japan as Asian Votes Could Decide His Fourth Term

FIFA president Gianni Infantino is taking his re-election campaign to Japan this week, seeking support from Asian football federations as he moves closer to securing a fourth term amid criticism over a scrapped $4.2 billion World Cup commercialisation plan.

Infantino is scheduled to meet Asian football leaders in Tokyo on Wednesday at a five-star hotel, with media access expected to be heavily restricted. The meeting comes days after he apologised to FIFA’s 37-member ruling council in Zurich for the “mistakes” he made in putting together the now-abandoned proposal.

The plan had triggered criticism within FIFA, including from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). Its president, Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa, had initially opposed Infantino’s proposal to establish a subsidiary to manage the World Cup, although reports suggest the two sides may have moved closer.

Infantino has since offered critics an open and independent review of FIFA’s decision-making processes. However, the controversy has exposed divisions within the global football governing body, with Asian federations yet to present a united position on his leadership.

An Associated Press tally indicates that 87 of FIFA’s 211 member federations have expressed support for Infantino, either individually or through statements issued by their regional confederations. He needs a simple majority to win the election scheduled for March, making Asia a potentially decisive battleground.

While Qatar, which hosted the 2022 World Cup, has backed Infantino, Jordan has declared its opposition. Europe remains the largest centre of resistance to his re-election bid.

The next FIFA Council meeting is scheduled for December 16 in Doha, Qatar. The deadline for rival candidates to enter the presidential race is November 18. Candidates must secure declarations of support from at least five member federations and meet FIFA’s eligibility requirements.

Political scientist and former professional footballer Jules Boykoff described FIFA as a vast patronage network, arguing that the organisation distributes billions of dollars generated by the men’s World Cup to football associations worldwide, potentially encouraging loyalty.

He also questioned the oversight of funds intended to develop the game, saying FIFA urgently needs structural reform.

No incumbent FIFA president has lost an election since 1974, adding to the significance of Infantino’s latest campaign to consolidate support across the football world.