AFC backs Infantino for another term as FIFA president

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has endorsed Gianni Infantino for another term as FIFA president, reversing its position from two months ago when it joined other confederations in accusing the football governing body’s leader of a ‘fundamental breach of trust’.

AFC president Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa announced the endorsement at the confederation’s extraordinary congress in Tokyo on Friday, embracing Infantino as he pledged the support of the Asian football family.

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

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“You’ve visited a lot of countries in Asia. I’ve spoken to a lot of members within this continent. I know your feelings, and I think your commitment is clear as well.”

The endorsement comes as Infantino seeks a fourth term in the FIFA presidency, with the election scheduled for March 2027. The deadline for rival candidates to file nominations is November 18, although no candidate had formally filed against him as of Friday, according to the Associated Press.

The AFC has 47 member associations, whose votes could play an important role in the election. However, Sheikh Salman acknowledged that not all members might follow the confederation’s position.

“My feeling is, I’m sure, the feeling of most of my members,” he said.

The endorsement marks a shift in the AFC’s stance after it joined European football’s governing body UEFA and the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (Concacaf) in expressing concerns about Infantino’s conduct in August.

Infantino subsequently apologised to FIFA’s 37-member Council for mistakes relating to a proposed $4.2 billion World Cup investment plan that was later abandoned.

Sheikh Salman referred to the disagreements in his address, saying the two sides had reached an understanding following discussions in Zurich.

“The past, I’m sure, is part of our history. We’ve all, I’m sure, learnt important lessons from it. What matters now is how we move forward together,” he said.

Infantino’s campaign has also been accompanied by plans to increase financial contributions to FIFA member associations from $10 million to $25 million, a proposal he referenced during the Tokyo meeting.

The AFC’s endorsement adds to the support Infantino is seeking across FIFA’s membership ahead of the election. The confederation’s position, however, does not necessarily mean all 47 member associations will vote in his favour.