Endorsements from the Asian Football Confederation and African federations bolster Gianni Infantino’s bid for a fourth term as FIFA president.
Published On 24 Oct 2026
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has dismissed questions about potential resignation, citing overwhelming global support from member associations as he seeks re-election for a fourth term.
Three months after facing intense pressure to step down following the withdrawal of the controversial FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) proposal—which sought private investment for a new entity controlling commercial rights for major FIFA tournaments—Infantino now appears to be in a position of strength.
His re-election prospects were further solidified this week following a landmark endorsement from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). AFC President Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa announced that Asia is united in its support for Infantino, mirroring similar endorsements from African football leaders.
Infantino, speaking to the BBC, emphasized the democratic principles of the global organization, stating, “I was elected by 211 member associations from all over the world. In an organization like FIFA, there can be different views, but if we are serious about democracy and believing that football belongs to everyone, we must respect the views of the vast, vast majority.”
He added, “I’m just coming back from Tokyo where the Asian Football Confederation has fully endorsed me. I was in Cape Verde where all African countries have endorsed me. I am speaking to associations everywhere in the world.”
The AFC’s endorsement marks a significant shift, as the confederation had previously joined UEFA and CONCACAF in criticizing the FFE proposal. This realignment, alongside a divided CONCACAF, leaves European football increasingly isolated and highlights the absence of a viable alternative candidate for the FIFA presidency.
Infantino is seeking a fourth term extending until 2031, with nominations for the election closing on November 18. Although he recently apologized at a FIFA Council meeting in Zurich for the handling of the FFE proposal, the gesture failed to sway major European associations, including those of Germany and England.
Despite the European opposition, the Swiss-Italian administrator maintained a tone of unity, stating, “It’s OK to disagree, but we need to be able to move on. There are different points of view, and it is not always easy to bring them all under one roof, but we must respect all opinions. Ultimately, it will be up to the FIFA member associations to decide who they want as president and how they want FIFA to be run.”