AFC backs Gianni Infantino after Tokyo U-turn

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) publicly announced support for Gianni Infantino’s bid for another term as FIFA president at an extraordinary congress in Tokyo, overturning criticism from just two months ago.

A change of tone in two months

Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa, president of the AFC, addressed the assembled delegates and offered a show of unity with Infantino, including a conspicuous embrace in front of representatives from the confederation’s member associations. "We confirm our full commitment to support you and your leadership as you seek a new mandate as President of FIFA," Salman said.

The backing represents a marked shift: in August the AFC, together with UEFA and CONCACAF, had signed a tough letter criticizing Infantino and accusing him of seriously breaching trust. The dispute centred on a proposed $4.2 billion plan to sell stakes in commercial rights linked to the World Cup — a proposal that was subsequently withdrawn after strong opposition.

Infantino apologised to FIFA Council members in Zurich last week for mistakes in preparing that agreement, and his contrition appears to have helped repair relations with Asian football leadership. "Yes, in the past we had certain issues we discussed. But we should not conflate those two things," Salman said, adding that recent meetings in Zurich made clear there was now understanding between them.

Infantino also addressed the congress himself and acknowledged errors. "When you do many things, and we hope most of them are good, you also make certain mistakes," he said, receiving warm applause when he spoke about funding for national associations. He noted that before his arrival associations had been receiving $1 million over four years, while from January 1 next year that figure is due to rise to $25 million.

The AFC groups 47 members, so its public endorsement could carry significant weight in the presidential vote, though Sheikh Salman did not claim that every federation would automatically follow his lead: "I am confident that this is my feeling, but also the feeling of the majority of our members," he said. Individual federations’ votes remain unknown.

FIFA presidential elections are scheduled for March, and the deadline to submit candidacies is November 18. Infantino does not yet have a declared rival, and Asia’s support further strengthens his path toward a new mandate.

Photo: press material from the event