Gianni Infantino laughs off resignation calls and backs FIFA re-election

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has laughed off calls to resign following the collapse of FIFA’s Forward Enterprise (FFE) proposal and pointed to support from member associations as he prepares to seek a fourth term in office.

Infantino faced calls to step down three months ago after abandoning a proposal that sought private investment in a new entity to control the commercial rights associated with FIFA’s major competitions. His position has since improved, with key regional football bodies backing his re-election.

On Friday, Asian Football Confederation (AFC) president Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa endorsed Infantino for another term, saying Asia stands united behind him.

Asked by the BBC if he had considered resigning, Infantino laughed off the suggestion, pointing to his electoral mandate.

“I was elected by 211 member associations from all over the world. I think the important thing is that in an organization like FIFA, there can be different opinions, different points of view,” he said.

“But if we are serious about democracy, about the democratic process, about the belief that everyone has the same voice and the same voice all over the world, that football belongs to everyone, then we have to respect the opinions of the overwhelming majority.”

Infantino also cited the support he received during recent visits to Asia and Africa.

“I’m just coming back from Tokyo, where the Asian Football Confederation fully supported me. I was in Cape Verde, where all the African countries supported me. I’m talking to all the associations around the world,” he added.

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The AFC’s support is notable given that it previously joined European governing body UEFA and CONCACAF, which represents North and Central America and the Caribbean, in criticizing the FFE proposal.

The collapse of the proposal revealed divisions within FIFA, but recent developments have left European football increasingly isolated. CONCACAF remains divided while no clear alternative to Infantino has emerged.

Infantino is seeking a fourth term, which would keep him in office until 2031. Candidates have until November 18 to submit nominations.

The 56-year-old Swiss-Italian apologized at the FIFA Council meeting in Zurich last week for the way the FFE proposal was handled. However, the apology did little to change the position of several European associations, including Germany and England.

Infantino acknowledged disagreements were inevitable but said FIFA needed to move forward.

“It’s fine to disagree … but then we have to be able to move on,” he said.

“There are different points of view. It’s not always easy to get them all under one roof, but we have to respect and I respect all opinions, all perspectives.”

He insisted that the decision on FIFA’s leadership would ultimately rest with its member associations.

“Then it will be up to FIFA’s member associations to decide who they want as president and how they want FIFA to be run,” Infantino said.

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