Gianni Infantino's bid to remain Fifa president has received a significant lift after securing the official backing of Asian Football Confederation head Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa. Speaking at the confederation's Congress in Tokyo, which was attended by Infantino, Sheikh Salman announced to delegates that "we reaffirm our full commitment, of course, to supporting you as you seek a new mandate as president."
The declaration represents a major turnaround from Sheikh Salman, who only two months prior had joined the leaders of Uefa and Concacaf in signing a letter that criticized Infantino. At that stage, the three confederations accused the Fifa president of breaking trust "through deception" regarding the Fifa Forward Enterprise scheme and its failed ambition to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors. However, addressing the assembly in Japan, Sheikh Salman declared it was time "to move forward," adding that following recent talks in Zurich, the continent stood united as "one Asian family" in their support.
This consolidation of support follows a Fifa Council meeting last week where Infantino apologized for the World Cup investment proposal, though he stopped short of giving a full explanation as to how the initiative was created. During that session, Infantino also put forward plans to raise global football development funding by $3.4bn (£2.6bn). Meanwhile, administrative scrutiny continues elsewhere, with Uefa demanding that Fifa hand over essential documents and clarify governance and decision-making issues by 2 November.
The backing of Asia and its 46 votes, alongside existing support in Africa and South America, provides Infantino with substantial momentum as he pursues a fourth and final term in office. At the upcoming elective Congress in Rabat in March, Uefa will control 55 votes, Africa 54, Concacaf 35, Oceania 11, and Conmebol 10. Prospective challengers must confirm their candidacies by 18 November, but with no rivals having entered the race so far, Infantino could ultimately run unopposed.