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Infantino, who has led the global governing body since 2016, is currently preparing for the upcoming election scheduled for March. The public backing from the Asian confederation arrives despite recent tensions regarding his leadership and specific policy proposals that had previously drawn criticism from various international football associations.
Strengthening Support Amidst Past Disagreements
During the AFC Extraordinary Congress, Sheikh Salman acknowledged that there had been previous points of contention between the confederation and the FIFA president. However, he urged the membership to look past those issues, emphasizing the importance of unity within the sport. Addressing Infantino directly, Sheikh Salman stated that the region remains fully committed to his leadership, noting that the support from within the continent is clear.
This endorsement marks a notable shift in the political landscape for FIFA. Earlier in August, the AFC had joined UEFA and CONCACAF in condemning Infantino’s proposal to open premium competitions, such as the World Cup, to private investors. That plan, which faced intense backlash, has since been aborted, with Infantino offering an apology for the project last week.
The Path to the FIFA Election
As the November 18 deadline for submitting candidacies approaches, Infantino remains the frontrunner. While he has faced criticism from several European national associations—partly due to controversies surrounding his professional relationships—no major challenger has officially emerged to contest his position.
Infantino is seeking a fourth and final term in office. With the AFC now firmly in his corner, his path to re-election appears more stable, even as he continues to navigate the scrutiny from other global football bodies. The focus now shifts to the official nomination process as the sport prepares for the leadership vote in March.
