FIFA Bid: Infantino Claims 211 Votes After Asian Endorsement

FIFA President Gianni Infantino told the BBC on Friday that he holds the support of 211 member associations, a claim that solidifies his position ahead of the next leadership election. He laughed when asked if he had considered resigning, dismissing the idea as he detailed the global backing he has received in recent weeks.

The president secured a formal endorsement from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) on Friday. AFC President Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa stated that the continent is united behind Infantino for a fourth term. This support follows a similar endorsement from all African countries, which Infantino said he received during a recent trip to Cape Verde.

Infantino argued that the voting structure of FIFA requires respecting the views of the majority. He noted that while different points of view exist within the organization, any system based on democracy and equal votes for every nation must acknowledge the preferences of the vast majority of its 211 members. He emphasized that he is currently in talks with associations across the globe to build further consensus.

The recent surge in support contrasts with the criticism Infantino faced three months ago regarding the failed FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) proposal. That plan sought private investment in a new entity to control commercial rights for major competitions. Infantino abandoned the initiative after it drew sharp criticism from the European body UEFA and the North and Central American and Caribbean Football Confederation (CONCACAF).

The AFC had previously joined UEFA and CONCACAF in criticizing the FFE proposal. However, the AFC has now reversed its stance, and CONCACAF remains divided. These shifts have left European associations, including those from Germany and England, increasingly isolated in their opposition to the current leadership.

Infantino, a 56-year-old Swiss-Italian administrator, apologized for the handling of the FFE proposal at a FIFA Council meeting in Zurich last week. That gesture did not change the position of the European groups. He said it is acceptable to disagree but necessary to move forward, noting that member associations will ultimately decide who leads the organization.

The upcoming election will determine the president for a term running until 2031. Potential candidates must submit their nominations by November 18. The current administration faces no viable alternative candidate at this time, a factor Infantino believes further strengthens his re-election prospects.