Infantino Claims 211 Votes After Asian Endorsement
The FIFA president secured backing from the AFC and CAF, isolating UEFA as the deadline for rival nominations approaches.
By Ayanda Boateng ·
Gianni Infantino told the BBC on Friday that he has not considered resigning, citing overwhelming support from football's global membership.
He stated that 211 member associations across the world elected him, a figure he used to counter recent pressure for him to step down. That pressure emerged roughly three months after he abandoned the FIFA Forward Enterprise proposal, a plan for private investment in a new entity controlling commercial rights for major competitions.
The president’s position strengthened on Friday following an endorsement from Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa, the president of the Asian Football Confederation. Sheikh Salman declared that Asia is united behind Infantino. The FIFA chief also reported that all African countries backed him after his recent trip to Cape Verde.
This shift in support has isolated European football. The Asian Football Confederation and the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football had previously criticized the FFE proposal. However, a divided CONCACAF and the AFC’s recent change of stance have left UEFA increasingly alone in its opposition.
The lack of a unified front has also exposed the absence of a viable alternative candidate. Infantino is seeking a fourth term that would extend his leadership until 2031. Potential rivals must submit their nominations by November 18.
Infantino apologized to the FIFA Council in Zurich last week for the handling of the FFE proposal, a move that did not satisfy European associations, including those of Germany and England. The 56-year-old Swiss-Italian administrator maintained a conciliatory tone in the BBC interview, stating that it is okay to disagree but that the organization needs to move forward.
He acknowledged that bringing differing views under one roof is not always easy. Infantino said it will now be up to the member associations to determine who leads the body and how it is run.
