Infantino Wins Asian Football Backing for Fourth FIFA Presidency Term Despite Past Rift

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has received the backing of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) for another term at the helm of world football, strengthening his position ahead of the presidential election scheduled for March next year.

AFC president Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa announced the endorsement at the confederation’s extraordinary congress in Tokyo on Friday, pledging Asia’s support for Infantino as he seeks a fourth term. The AFC has 47 member associations, giving its endorsement considerable weight in the election.

“We affirm our full commitment to supporting you and your leadership as you seek a new mandate as the FIFA president,” Sheikh Salman said, embracing Infantino in front of delegates.

The endorsement marks a striking turnaround in relations between the two football leaders. Just over two months ago, the AFC had joined football governing bodies in Europe and North and Central America in accusing Infantino of a “fundamental breach of trust.”

The dispute centred on a proposed $4.2 billion World Cup plan, which was subsequently scrapped. Infantino apologised last week in Zurich to FIFA’s 37-member ruling council, which he chairs, acknowledging “mistakes” in the way the proposal had been assembled.

Sheikh Salman acknowledged that the two sides had faced disagreements but suggested they were now ready to move forward.

“Gianni, I want to make it clear, yes, we had some issues we spoke about in the past,” he said, adding that their recent meeting in Zurich had demonstrated a better understanding between them.

“The past, I'm sure, is part of our history. We've all, I'm sure, learned important lessons from it. What matters now is how we move forward together,” Sheikh Salman added.

The endorsement could prove significant as Infantino moves towards another election victory. Although Asian members are not necessarily obliged to follow the AFC president’s position, the confederation’s support could help consolidate votes behind the incumbent.

The FIFA presidential election is scheduled for March 2027, with the deadline for rival candidates to file their nominations set for November 18. No challenger had filed a candidacy at the time of the announcement.

Infantino, who became FIFA president in 2016 following the resignation of Sepp Blatter, is seeking to extend his leadership of the organisation amid continuing scrutiny of its governance and major commercial decisions.