The AFC has turned around and backed Gianni Infantino for a fourth term as FIFA president

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has backed Gianni Infantino’s bid for a fourth term as FIFA president, reversing its stance barely two months after accusing the world governing body’s leadership of a “fundamental breach of trust”. AFC president Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa announced the decision at the confederation’s extraordinary congress in Tokyo on Friday, handing Infantino a major boost ahead of the March 2027 election.

The confirmation marks a sharp change in the AFC’s position following the fallout over FIFA’s abandoned $4.2 billion plan to sell a minority stake in a new company to manage commercial rights to World Cup competitions. In August, the AFC joined UEFA and CONCACAF in criticizing the proposal, which raised concerns about governance, transparency and a lack of consultation with FIFA’s member associations.

The AFC’s support is particularly significant given its 47 member associations and their voting rights in presidential elections. Infantino also received support from South America’s CONMEBOL and the Confederation of African Football (CAF), whose executive committee unanimously endorsed him in August. 22 Arab football associations have also declared their support, including Saudi Arabia and Qatar.

Speaking to Infantino at a meeting in Tokyo, Sheikh Salman made the AFC’s position clear and indicated that the two sides were ready to overcome their recent differences.

“We reaffirm our full commitment to support you and your leadership in your search for a new mandate as FIFA president,” Sheikh Salman said.

AFC MAKES DIFFERENCES FOR IT

Sheikh Salman acknowledged the tension between the two leaders but insisted that the past dispute should not dictate their future relationship.

“Gianni, I want to make it clear, yes, we had some problems that we talked about in the past. But we are not linking the two things,” he said, adding that the two sides had reached an understanding during the meeting in Zurich.

“I’m sure the past is part of our history. I’m sure we’ve all learned important lessons from it. What matters now is how we move forward together.”

The move comes after Infantino apologized to the FIFA Council last week for errors in the handling of the FIFA Forward Enterprise proposal. The plan included creating a separate commercial entity and selling a 20 percent stake to private investors, which could raise $4.2 billion. The proposal was withdrawn in July after widespread criticism, including concerns about the involvement of investors with ties to US President Donald Trump’s family.

Infantino acknowledged mistakes in the consultation and communication process but claimed the aim was to increase investment in football. FIFA has since committed to revising its governance framework through a working group comprising representatives from various confederations.

However, the dispute does not end with an apology. UEFA requested answers to 42 questions covering 12 areas, including the abandoned commercial enterprise and the governance of FIFA. European officials said Infantino’s apology did not provide the clarity they were looking for, while FIFA said it intended to respond through its internal processes.

FOCUSED ON THE FOURTH PERIOD OF INFANTINO

Infantino has led FIFA since 2016 and is seeking another four-year term, which would keep him in office until 2031. Elections are scheduled for March 2027, with November 18 for rival candidates to submit their nominations. No challenger has yet formally emerged.

Support from Asia, Africa and South America gives Infanta support in several key electoral blocs, although opposition remains in Europe and parts of North and Central America. The AFC’s support does not guarantee that all 47 member associations will vote in line with his leadership, but it strengthens his position in the run-up to the election.

The contrasting positions leave FIFA facing a wider debate about governance, transparency and decision-making. While Infantino’s supporters point to increased investment in football development under his presidency, critics continue to push for greater accountability in how key business decisions are made.

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