Infantino cites 211 votes after Asian shift
The FIFA president claims overwhelming support following an endorsement from the Asian confederation, despite ongoing criticism from European bodies.
By Harper Laurent ·
FIFA President Gianni Infantino stated on Friday that he has secured the backing of 211 member associations for a fourth term in office. He made the claim during a BBC interview, where he laughed when asked if he had considered resigning. The president argued that any serious discussion of democracy within the organization must respect the views of the vast majority of nations.
The shift in support followed an endorsement from Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa, the president of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). On Friday, Al Khalifa declared that Asia was united behind Infantino. This decision marked a reversal for the AFC, which had previously joined UEFA and CONCACAF in criticizing the failed FIFA Forward Enterprise proposal.
The FFE plan sought private investment for a new entity to control commercial rights for major competitions. Infantino abandoned the plan after it faced strong opposition. Approximately three months ago, he faced calls to step down due to the handling of the proposal. He apologized for the manner in which the FFE was managed during a FIFA Council meeting in Zurich last week.
Despite the apology, European football associations, including those from Germany and England, have not fully accepted the gesture. The change in stance by the AFC and a divided CONCACAF have left Europe increasingly isolated in its opposition. This dynamic has also exposed the lack of a viable alternative candidate for the FIFA presidency.
Infantino said he had just returned from Tokyo, where the AFC endorsed him, and from Cape Verde, where all African countries did the same. He noted that he is currently speaking with associations around the world. The 56-year-old Swiss-Italian administrator struck a conciliatory tone in his remarks, stating that it is acceptable to disagree but necessary to move forward.
He acknowledged that bringing differing views under one roof is not always easy. Infantino said he respects all opinions and left the final decision to FIFA's member associations. Potential candidates for the presidency have until November 18 to submit their nominations for the term that would run until 2031.
