Gianni Infantino is turning his attention to Asia as he steps up efforts to secure another term as FIFA president, with a crucial meeting with Asian football leaders scheduled for Wednesday in Tokyo.
The visit comes at a sensitive moment for the FIFA chief, who is facing growing scrutiny over a controversial $4.2 billion proposal to sell off commercial rights linked to the World Cup. Infantino recently apologised to FIFA’s 37-member ruling council in Zurich, Switzerland, for “mistakes” made during the development of the now-abandoned plan.
With the FIFA presidential election scheduled for March, support from Asia could prove decisive in determining whether Infantino secures a fourth term in office.
The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) meeting is expected to take place at a five-star hotel in Tokyo, with media access largely restricted. The gathering offers Infantino an opportunity to strengthen relationships with a regional confederation whose members could play a significant role in the election.
A report by The Athletic indicated that AFC president Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa, who initially opposed Infantino’s proposal to establish a subsidiary to manage the World Cup, may have moved closer to the FIFA president.
Infantino has also offered critics an open, independent review of FIFA’s decision-making processes in an apparent effort to address concerns about transparency and governance.
However, the FIFA president’s path to re-election remains far from settled. Although an Associated Press tally suggests he is approaching the simple majority required to win, opposition from several football authorities continues to threaten his campaign.
FIFA has 211 member federations, meaning Infantino needs at least 106 votes to secure a majority if all members vote. According to the AP count, 87 federations had indicated support for him, either through individual statements or endorsements issued by their respective regional confederations.
That leaves the FIFA chief needing further backing as the election approaches, with Asia potentially providing some of the votes that determine the outcome.
The AFC itself joined criticism of the abandoned World Cup commercial proposal, but divisions within the region have complicated the picture. Qatar, which hosted the 2022 World Cup, has expressed support for Infantino, while Jordan has publicly opposed him.
The contrasting positions highlight the challenge facing the FIFA president as he attempts to consolidate support across a continent with diverse football interests and political relationships.
Europe remains the largest source of opposition to Infantino, adding further pressure on a campaign already clouded by questions surrounding the proposed World Cup sell-off.
The controversy has also prompted calls for FIFA to provide greater clarity about the plan. UEFA has demanded explanations, while other critics have questioned whether Infantino remains the right person to lead world football without more comprehensive answers.
The next major test will come on December 16, when the FIFA Council is scheduled to meet in Doha, Qatar. That gathering could offer further insight into the mood within the organisation’s leadership as the election battle gathers momentum.
For now, Infantino’s trip to Japan represents more than a routine meeting with regional officials. With his re-election ambitions under pressure, winning over Asia could be essential to turning an increasingly contentious campaign into another presidential victory.
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