Asian Football Confederation backs Gianni Infantino in U-turn on Fifa presidency
The Asian Football Confederation has endorsed Gianni Infantino for another term as Fifa president, reversing its criticism of him two months ago. The shift matters because the AFC’s 47 member associations could help secure his re-election, scheduled for March.
In August, the AFC joined Uefa and Concacaf in accusing Infantino of a “fundamental breach of trust” over a proposed $4.2bn plan to sell parts of the World Cup to private investors; he apologised to Fifa’s council last week after the plan was scrapped. AFC president Sheikh Salman said most of its members supported Infantino, though not necessarily all, and nominations close on 18 November. No challenger has emerged so far. Infantino also said Fifa’s payments to each member association would rise from $1m every four years to $25m from 1 January.
In short
- The AFC has backed Infantino for another Fifa term.
- Its 47 member associations could help secure his re-election.
- The endorsement reverses August’s criticism over a scrapped $4.2bn plan.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
The AFC could reasonably argue that endorsing Infantino reflects the current preference of most of its member associations and offers continuity in Fifa’s leadership. With the investment plan scrapped and an apology made, members may judge that the dispute has been addressed; higher payments could also support football development across the region.
The case against
Critics could argue that the earlier charge of a fundamental breach of trust raises questions that an apology alone may not settle, and that backing Infantino so soon risks weakening accountability. They may also want members to scrutinise the proposed increase in Fifa payments and consider alternatives before endorsing another term, even though no challenger has emerged.
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