AFC Pledges Support for Infantino

Sheikh Salman said the AFC was committed to supporting Infantino as he seeks another term as FIFA president.

The AFC represents 47 member associations, giving its endorsement potential significance in the election process. However, Sheikh Salman acknowledged that not every member might follow his position, saying he believed it reflected the views of most members.

During the congress, Sheikh Salman embraced Infantino and called for Asian football to move forward united in support of his leadership.

Sudden Shift After Earlier Disagreements

The endorsement marks a significant change from the AFC’s position just over two months earlier. At that time, the AFC joined European and North and Central American football governing bodies in accusing Infantino of a “fundamental breach of trust.”

The dispute followed a now-abandoned proposal reportedly worth $4.2 billion that would have involved selling private investors a stake in FIFA events, including the World Cup.

Infantino reportedly apologised to FIFA’s 37-member ruling council in Zurich the previous week, acknowledging mistakes in how the proposal had been developed.

Sheikh Salman referred to the past disagreements but said both sides had reached a better understanding following recent discussions.

Infantino Highlights Funding for Member Associations

In his address, Infantino acknowledged that mistakes had been made and stressed the importance of learning from experience, apologising and moving forward together.

He also highlighted the financial support FIFA provides to member associations. According to Infantino, associations previously received $1 million every four years before his presidency, while the amount is scheduled to rise to $25 million from January 1 of the following year.

FIFA’s financial assistance programmes are a significant part of its relationship with national football associations, particularly those with limited resources.

What Happens Next?

The AFC’s endorsement could help Infantino build support ahead of the FIFA presidential election. However, the announcement does not guarantee that all 47 AFC members will vote for him.

Attention will now turn to support from other confederations and national associations, as well as any further developments surrounding FIFA’s governance and financial arrangements.

Key Points

  • The AFC has endorsed Gianni Infantino for another FIFA presidential term.
  • AFC President Sheikh Salman announced the decision at a congress in Tokyo.
  • The endorsement follows earlier disagreements over a proposed $4.2 billion investment plan.
  • Infantino acknowledged mistakes and called for unity.
  • The AFC’s support does not necessarily mean every member association will back him.

Source: Information and statements attributed to AFC and FIFA officials in the report.