The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has endorsed Gianni Infantino for a fourth term as FIFA president, boosting his re-election bid as the European governing body, UEFA, pushes for greater accountability and considers backing a challenger.
AFC president Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa announced the endorsement at the confederation’s extraordinary congress in Tokyo on Friday, ahead of the FIFA presidential election in March 2027.
“We affirm our commitment, of course, to supporting you and your leadership as you seek a new mandate as FIFA president,” Sheikh Salman said.
He added that Infantino’s commitment to Asian football was clear and said the confederation was ready to move forward despite past disagreements.
The endorsement marks a shift after the AFC joined UEFA and CONCACAF in criticising Infantino’s proposed $4.2 billion private investment venture involving FIFA’s commercial rights. The plan was later abandoned after the confederations accused him of a “fundamental breach of trust”.
Infantino apologised to the FIFA Council for mistakes made in developing the proposal and offered an independent review of FIFA’s decision-making processes.
Sheikh Salman acknowledged the tensions but said discussions in Zurich had helped the two sides reach an understanding.
“The past, I’m sure, is part of our history. We’ve all, I’m sure, learned important lessons from it. What matters now is how we move forward together,” he said.
The AFC’s endorsement comes as UEFA steps up pressure on Infantino over FIFA’s governance and decision-making.
UEFA has given FIFA until November 2 to answer questions and provide documents on several issues, including the abandoned investment proposal and other decisions taken under Infantino’s leadership.
The European body has said it has lost confidence in FIFA’s current leadership and called for a change in direction.
UEFA is also considering putting forward an alternative candidate, although no challenger has been officially confirmed. Its position could become clearer before the November 18 deadline for presidential nominations.
Infantino, who became FIFA president in 2016 and was re-elected in 2019 and 2023, is seeking another term running from 2027 to 2031.
He has also received backing from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and South America’s CONMEBOL, strengthening his position ahead of the vote.
The AFC’s endorsement carries significant weight because its 47 member associations are part of FIFA’s 211-member voting body, with each association entitled to one vote. However, the endorsement does not guarantee unanimous support across Asia. Qatar has backed Infantino, while Jordan has opposed him.
Any challenger must meet FIFA’s eligibility requirements and secure support from at least five member associations. With nominations closing on November 18, UEFA’s next move could shape the contest as the dispute over FIFA’s leadership and governance intensifies.
