Asian Football Confederation Backs Gianni Infantino in U-turn on FIFA Presidency Bid
The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has officially endorsed Gianni Infantino for another term as FIFA president, a decision that marks a significant reversal from its critical stance just two months prior.
AFC president Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim al-Khalifa delivered the endorsement at the confederation’s extraordinary congress in Tokyo on Friday. In a public display, he embraced Infantino, signaling a renewed commitment to his leadership as he seeks a new mandate.
A Shift in Stance
Sheikh Salman addressed the AFC membership, stating, “We affirm our full commitment to supporting you and your leadership as you seek a new mandate as the Fifa president.” He highlighted Infantino’s engagement with Asian member nations, adding, “You’ve visited a lot of countries in Asia. I’ve spoken to a lot of members within this continent. I know your feeling and I think your commitment is clear as well.”
This endorsement comes after the AFC, along with UEFA and CONCACAF, had previously expressed strong reservations about Infantino’s leadership. In August, these confederations jointly stated that Infantino had committed a “fundamental breach of trust,” calling for “leadership that serves football, not seeks to command it.” Sheikh Salman acknowledged past disagreements, noting, “Yes, we had some issues we spoke about in the past,” but emphasized the need to “move forward.”
Infantino’s Re-election Bid
The FIFA presidential election is scheduled for March, with nominations closing on November 18. Currently, no other candidates have officially declared their intention to stand against Infantino, who has led world football’s governing body since 2016.
The backing of the AFC, which comprises 47 member associations, is a considerable boost for Infantino. While Sheikh Salman indicated that not all AFC members might align with the endorsement, he expressed confidence that the majority would support the FIFA president. The collective votes from the AFC could prove crucial in securing another term.
Infantino has faced scrutiny following FIFA’s now-abandoned plan to sell stakes in its competitions, including the World Cup, to private investors. He had previously apologized for “mistakes” made in assembling this proposal.
Broader Support and Future Implications
Beyond the AFC, Infantino has also garnered support from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC). This widespread backing from multiple confederations strengthens his position as he aims for a third full term.
During his address in Tokyo, Infantino highlighted the financial growth under his leadership, noting that member associations now receive significantly more funding compared to when he first took office. He stated that funding had increased from $1 million every four years to $25 million.
The AFC’s U-turn underscores the complex political landscape within international football governance. While Infantino’s path to re-election appears smoother with this endorsement, the earlier criticisms from major confederations highlight ongoing debates about FIFA’s direction and leadership.
The nomination deadline of November 18 remains a key date, after which the field of candidates for the FIFA presidency will be finalized. Infantino’s current lack of declared opposition, coupled with the AFC’s renewed support, positions him as the strong favorite for the upcoming election.
The AFC’s decision to endorse Infantino, despite previous criticisms, suggests a strategic alignment or a desire to move past past controversies. This development is likely to influence the voting dynamics among FIFA’s 211 member federations as the election approaches.
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