Infantino says ‘vast majority’ of world football backs his FIFA presidency

Gianni Infantino said most of world football supports his presidency during an interview at the FIFA Under-15 World Cup in Azerbaijan.

The comments came after Infantino faced questions about the failure of a proposal to sell private stakes in FIFA competitions, including the World Cup. The proposal’s failure formed the backdrop to questions about support for his leadership.

The Asian Football Confederation has backed Infantino’s bid for a third FIFA presidential mandate. AFC President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa announced the confederation’s support at its extraordinary congress in Tokyo.

The AFC has 47 members, including 46 FIFA member associations. Its endorsement gives Infantino support from the Asian confederation as he prepares to seek another term.

FIFA said Infantino would seek re-election in 2027. His statement about backing across world football and the AFC’s endorsement both relate to that presidential bid. The AFC’s support is for a third mandate, while Infantino described his backing more broadly as support from most of world football.