Full Breakdown
AFC’s U-Turn: Endorsement of Gianni Infantino’s Fourth FIFA Term
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event – AFC Backs Infantino
On October 23 the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) held an extraordinary congress in Tokyo. AFC president Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa embraced FIFA president Gianni Infantino and declared the confederation’s full support for his bid for a fourth term. The endorsement was delivered in front of AFC delegates and framed as a “unified Asian family” backing Infantino’s re-election campaign.
Background & Context – From “Breach of Trust” to Backing
Two months earlier the AFC, together with UEFA and CONCACAF, issued an open letter accusing Infantino of a “fundamental breach of trust” over the aborted FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) scheme—a $4-billion plan to sell stakes in World Cup and other premier competitions. Infantino later apologised to FIFA’s council in Zurich for “mistakes” in the communication and consultation process. Sheikh Salman’s October 23 remarks acknowledged those issues but emphasized a “true understanding” reached in recent meetings in Zurich.
Data & Statistics – Voting Power and Timeline
- AFC membership: 47 national associations.
- FIFA total membership: 211 associations.
- AFC’s bloc could supply a decisive share of votes in the March 2027 FIFA presidential election.
- Election timeline: the official campaign began on April 30 2026; nominations close on November 18; the election is slated for March 2027.
Official Statements & Responses
Infantino, speaking after the AFC president, said, “when you do many things, you do – hopefully, as we did, many good things – you do some mistakes as well.” He noted that financial support to member associations would rise from $1 million every four years to $25 million starting in 2027.
Criticism & Opposition – UEFA’s Formal Challenge
European football authorities continue to question Infantino’s governance. UEFA secretary-general Theodore Theodoridis sent a formal letter to FIFA requesting answers to 42 questions covering the FFE scheme, conflicts of interest, and election integrity. The letter, dated October 19, set a response deadline of November 2. UEFA’s demand underscores ongoing opposition from the European confederation, which has previously called for Infantino’s resignation.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We affirm our full commitment to supporting you and your leadership as you seek a new mandate as the Fifa president.” — Sheikh Salman, AFC
- “When you do many things, you do – hopefully, as we did, many good things – you do some mistakes as well,” — Gianni Infantino
What’s Next – Election Outlook
The AFC’s endorsement positions Infantino strongly for the March 2027 FIFA presidential election. With the nomination deadline on November 18, no challenger has yet filed a candidacy, and the AFC’s 47-vote bloc could be pivotal in securing a majority among the 211 FIFA members. UEFA’s pending inquiries may influence perceptions of Infantino’s candidacy, but the formal voting process will not commence until the March congress.