FIFA Election: Sheikh Salman Backs Gianni Infantino
Gianni Infantino's FIFA re-election bid receives a major boost as AFC chief Sheikh Salman reverses his stance to support him ahead of March 2026.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- AFC chief Sheikh Salman backs Gianni Infantino for a fourth term as FIFA president
- This represents a major u-turn after criticizing Infantino's World Cup stake sale plan
- The FIFA presidential election is scheduled for March 2026 in Rabat, Morocco
- Infantino has proposed boosting global football development funding by $3.4bn (£2.6bn)
Gianni Infantino's prospects of securing another term as FIFA president have received a significant boost following an endorsement from the head of the Asian Football Confederation. Sheikh Salman's backing in Japan marks a pivotal shift in the political landscape of international football governance.
The endorsement comes as a notable u-turn just two months after Sheikh Salman joined leaders from UEFA and Concacaf in signing a joint letter criticizing Infantino over his controversial proposal to sell World Cup stakes to private investors.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
Despite past friction, Sheikh Salman told the gathering in Japan that it was time to move forward together. He emphasized unity within the Asian football community to support Infantino's continued leadership.
"Yes, we had some issues, we spoke about them in the past, but let's not relate the two things together... As one Asian family, we are ready to move forward, united in your support, Gianni."
Sheikh Salman
Combined with Infantino's existing support bases in Africa and South America, Sheikh Salman's backing could prove decisive in helping the FIFA president secure a fourth and final term in office.
At the upcoming election in Rabat in March, voting distribution includes UEFA with 55 votes, Africa with 54, Asia with 46, Concacaf with 35, Oceania with 11, and Conmebol with 10. The deadline for potential candidates to confirm their candidacy is November 18, though no rivals have filed yet, leaving open the possibility that Infantino could run unopposed.
This sudden alignment within Asian football highlights the complex power dynamics and coalition-building required in global sports administration. While European bodies push for greater governance transparency and document disclosures, regional blocs often weigh developmental financial incentives heavily when determining leadership support.
During a recent FIFA Council meeting, Infantino apologized for the World Cup sell-off plan without providing a full explanation of its origin. He also proposed increasing global football development funding by $3.4bn (£2.6bn). Meanwhile, UEFA has given FIFA a two-week deadline until November 2 to release key governance documents and answer outstanding questions.
Source: BBC Sport
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