The Asian Football Confederation has endorsed Gianni Infantino for another term as FIFA president. During an extraordinary congress in Tokyo on Friday, AFC president Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim al-Khalifa delivered the endorsement and embraced Infantino with a large hug in front of the membership.
This support marks a significant turnaround from two months ago, when the AFC criticized the head of football’s world governing body for a breach of trust and a failed private investment plan known as the FIFA Forward Enterprise proposal. Despite these previous tensions, Asian soccer officials have now backed his reelection as FIFA prepares to boost funding for member nations.
The endorsement from the 47-nation AFC bolsters Infantino as he seeks a fourth term until 2031. This move significantly narrows the path for any potential challengers ahead of the March election. When questioned about whether he had considered resigning following the failed FFE proposal, Infantino laughed off the suggestion, pointing to overwhelming support from member associations around the globe.