FIFA President Gianni Infantino has received fresh support for his re-election campaign, strengthening his position despite criticism over a controversial commercial proposal.
The 56-year-old football administrator is seeking a fourth term as FIFA president, which would extend his leadership until 2031.
His campaign gained momentum after the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) publicly backed his candidacy.
According to Reuters, Infantino also highlighted support from African football associations while responding to questions about his leadership.
However, disagreements remain over FIFA’s abandoned commercial reform plans.
Asian football backs Infantino’s re-election
AFC President Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa announced Asia’s support for Infantino on Friday.
The endorsement strengthens Infantino’s position ahead of FIFA’s presidential election.
Meanwhile, Infantino said he had also received backing from African football associations.
Speaking to the BBC, he defended his leadership and stressed the importance of respecting the views of FIFA’s member associations.
Infantino said the organisation must recognise different opinions while respecting the decisions of its members.
He also pointed to FIFA’s democratic voting system, under which each member association has one vote.
FIFA president dismisses resignation questions
Infantino faced questions about whether he had considered resigning following criticism of the FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) proposal.
The proposal aimed to attract private investment through a new commercial entity linked to major FIFA competitions.
However, the plan faced opposition from several regional football bodies.
FIFA eventually abandoned the proposal, prompting criticism of Infantino’s leadership.
According to Reuters, some football officials called for his resignation after the decision.
Nevertheless, Infantino dismissed suggestions that he should step down.
He argued that disagreements are part of running a global organisation with members from different regions.
European football remains critical
The abandoned commercial proposal created tensions between FIFA and several continental football organisations.
Initially, the AFC joined UEFA and CONCACAF in opposing the plan.
However, the Asian federation has since endorsed Infantino’s re-election campaign.
Meanwhile, CONCACAF remains divided over the issue.
As a result, European football associations have become increasingly isolated in their criticism.
Germany and England remain among the countries expressing concerns about how FIFA handled the proposal.
Infantino apologised during a FIFA Council meeting in Zurich last week for the way the plan was managed.
However, his apology did not resolve all disagreements.
African football support strengthens campaign
Support from African football associations has also become an important part of Infantino’s re-election campaign.
The FIFA president said he had recently visited Cape Verde, where African associations expressed their backing.
He presented this support as evidence of confidence in his leadership.
Africa represents an important voting bloc within FIFA, with 54 member associations.
Therefore, support from the continent could strengthen Infantino’s prospects of securing another term.
However, formal voting will ultimately determine the next FIFA president.
FIFA election deadline approaches
Infantino is seeking another term that would keep him in office until 2031.
Potential challengers must submit their nominations by November 18.
So far, Reuters reports that no clear alternative candidate has emerged.
This has further strengthened Infantino’s position ahead of the election.
Despite disagreements over FIFA’s commercial strategy, the president continues to receive support from major football regions.
The coming weeks will determine whether another candidate enters the race.
For now, Infantino remains in a strong position as he seeks to extend his leadership of world football.