AFC Throws Full Weight Behind Infantino's FIFA Re-Election Bid at Tokyo Congress

The Asian Football Confederation has pledged its full support to Gianni Infantino as he seeks a fourth term as FIFA president. AFC president Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa made the announcement in his opening remarks at the AFC's extraordinary congress in Tokyo on Friday, with Infantino himself present in the room. The Bahraini declared that the region reaffirms its full commitment to supporting Infantino's leadership as he seeks a new mandate, adding that he had spoken to member associations across Asia and found their backing clear. Infantino is up for re-election in March as he seeks a fourth term running to 2031. The endorsement marks a notable thaw between the two leaders: Sheikh Salman had previously joined the presidents of UEFA and CONCACAF in signing an open letter that described Infantino's failed plan to sell off the commercial rights to FIFA tournaments, including the World Cup, to private investors as a "fundamental breach of trust." Infantino apologised over the affair at this month's FIFA Council, telling attendees to submit any questions about his governance in writing so he could answer them at the next meeting.