The Asian Football Confederation has endorsed Gianni Infantino for a fourth term as FIFA president, a significant reversal after criticising him just two months ago. AFC president Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim al-Khalifa made the declaration at a congress in Tokyo on Friday, embracing Infantino with a large hug during his speech.

Sheikh Salman, whose organisation represents 47 member associations, directly addressed past disagreements. He said there was now a true understanding between them. "We affirm our full commitment to supporting you and your leadership as you seek a new mandate as the Fifa president," he stated. The AFC's backing is seen as key, with its block of votes potentially guaranteeing Infantino's mandate in the March election, for which nominations close on 18 November. No other candidate has yet come forward.

Financial Reforms and Apologies

The endorsement follows a period where Infantino has sought to address financial controversies. In Zurich, he apologised for mistakes related to a scrapped $4.2bn private investment plan for the World Cup. He used the occasion to highlight increased financial support for member federations under his leadership. Infantino claimed that before he became president, each federation received $1 million every four years. "As of the first of January of next year, it will be $25 million US dollars," he announced. He also stated that FIFA's financial reserves have grown from $1 billion to $4 billion during his tenure, and that the organisation is on track to generate $11 billion in revenue over the current four-year cycle.

Sheikh Salman's Support and Unity Message

Sheikh Salman's speech emphasised unity and collective support from the Asian confederation. He referenced the past issues but framed them as resolved. "My feeling is, I’m sure, the feeling of most of my members," he said. The move marks a stark turnaround from August, when the AFC accused the FIFA president of a fundamental breach of trust. That accusation stemmed from FIFA's unilateral decision to alter the format of the 2026 World Cup, a move the AFC said was made without consultation. Sheikh Salman told the congress that the AFC and FIFA had now agreed on a new framework for dialogue and consultation to prevent such disputes.

Infantino is now positioned to secure an unprecedented fourth term, continuing his presidency which began in 2016. The election process will unfold over the coming months, with the global football community watching how this consolidated support from Asia influences the final outcome. The FIFA Congress is scheduled for March next year. In his own remarks, Infantino praised the AFC for its unity and described the confederation as a model for the world.

Read the full report at theguardian.com