The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has reversed its previous opposition and backed Gianni Infantino for a fourth term as FIFA president.
AFC president Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa announced the decision during the confederation’s Extraordinary Congress in Tokyo on October 23, marking a significant shift in the organisation’s position following months of tension with FIFA’s leadership.
The AFC had previously called for Infantino to step down amid controversy surrounding the proposed creation of FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), a commercial subsidiary intended to generate additional investment in football rights and commercial assets.
Dispute over FIFA commercial project put aside
The change in position followed an apology from Infantino to members of the FIFA Council and a commitment to provide further clarification over the commercial project.
The political landscape in the region also played a role, with Qatar and Saudi Arabia among the influential Asian countries expressing support for Infantino.
Speaking at the AFC Congress, Al Khalifa said the confederation was prepared to move forward with FIFA under a renewed focus on transparency, unity and inclusion.
“Gianni, I want to make it clear: yes, we had some issues that we discussed in the past. But we will not relate the two things,” Al Khalifa said, referring to the previous disagreement over the commercial project.
He added that discussions with Infantino in Zurich had established a better understanding between the two sides.
The FIFA Forward Enterprise proposal had attracted scrutiny because of plans to sell commercial rights to investors linked to US President Donald Trump. The project was subsequently abandoned.
Infantino highlights increased funding for Asia
Infantino used his 15-minute address at the congress to highlight the expansion of FIFA funding for national associations and the increased number of Asian places at the FIFA World Cup following the tournament’s expansion to 48 teams.
“When I started as FIFA president, you were receiving $1 million. From January 1, this will be $25 million,” Infantino told the Asian delegates, referring to the funding available to national associations.
The FIFA president also addressed the political tensions surrounding his administration, calling for greater unity and cooperation within international football.
“There were some mistakes. It is important to learn from them and we have already apologised,” Infantino said. “Now it is important to unite, work together and progress.”
The AFC’s endorsement strengthens Infantino’s position ahead of the FIFA presidential election and removes a major source of opposition from one of the organisation’s most influential confederations.