The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has thrown its weight behind Gianni Infantino’s bid for another term as FIFA president, making a dramatic U-turn just two months after accusing him of a “fundamental breach of trust”.
The decision marks a significant shift in the political landscape surrounding football’s global governing body, with Infantino facing growing scrutiny over several controversial decisions and his leadership ahead of next year’s presidential election.
FIFA’s chief has come under fire over a failed proposal to sell part of the World Cup to private investors, his role in overturning a red card issued to United States striker Folarin Balogun, and the decision to award US President Donald Trump an unprecedented FIFA Peace Prize.
The AFC had previously joined UEFA and CONCACAF in condemning the actions. However, during an extraordinary meeting of the AFC Congress on Friday, its president, Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa, publicly backed Infantino’s bid to remain in office.
“We affirm our full commitment to supporting you and your leadership as you seek a new mandate as the FIFA president.” Sheikh Salman said.
The AFC chief also pointed to Infantino’s engagement with Asian football officials as evidence of a renewed understanding between both sides.
“You’ve visited a lot of countries in Asia. I’ve spoken to a lot of members within this continent. I know your feeling and I think your commitment is clear as well.”
Sheikh Salman acknowledged the disagreements that had previously strained relations but insisted they should not define the future of their relationship.
“Yes, we had some issues we spoke about in the past, but let’s not relate the two things together. I think the last few days we met in Zurich you made it clear that there’s a true understanding between us.
“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.
“I think everyone has questions and I’m sure the answers we be available, whether to us in Asia, or the rest of the world.”
The endorsement represents an important boost for Infantino, who has served as FIFA president since February 2016. However, Sheikh Salman’s declaration does not automatically guarantee the support of all 47 member associations within the Asian confederation.
Those votes could still prove influential as Infantino prepares to seek another mandate, particularly with the next election scheduled for March.
The race remains open, with potential challengers having until November 18 to formally enter the contest. So far, no candidate has publicly declared an intention to challenge the incumbent.
The AFC’s change of position adds another layer of intrigue to the build-up, especially after its earlier criticism suggested a serious breakdown in trust. Its latest stance signals a willingness to move beyond the dispute, although questions surrounding Infantino’s leadership and recent decisions remain part of the wider debate.
With the election approaching, support from influential confederations could become decisive. For Infantino, the AFC’s backing offers a valuable political boost, but the level of support he ultimately commands across FIFA’s 211 member associations will be crucial to his prospects of securing another term.
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