Asian Football Confederation Backs Infantino for Another Term as FIFA President
Asian Football Confederation president Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa announced in Tokyo that the body supports Gianni Infantino's bid for another term leading FIFA. The sheikh had previously been among his critics.
The Asian Football Confederation (AFC), which unites the football associations of 47 member countries, has expressed its support for the re-election of Gianni Infantino as president of FIFA, world football's governing body. AFC president Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa announced the decision at the confederation's congress in Tokyo. The backing matters ahead of the FIFA presidential election scheduled for March.
"We confirm that we fully support you and your leadership as you stand for another term as FIFA president," Al Khalifa said at the congress, as quoted by the AP news agency.
An unexpected turn
The AFC's position is unforeseen, as Sheikh Salman had previously taken a firm stance against Infantino, alongside the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) and others. The disagreement was particularly linked to a proposal to sell stakes in the World Cup, which was later rejected. Al Khalifa has now said that past differences have been left behind.
The votes of the AFC's 47 member nations are regarded as decisive in the election.
Stance of other confederations
Infantino is also supported by the Confederation of African Football (CAF). In contrast, UEFA and the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) have urged him to step down.
Infantino has served as FIFA president since 2016. He currently has no rival candidates for the post.
