The AFC backing for Gianni Infantino marks a significant shift in football politics ahead of the FIFA presidential election scheduled for March 2027. The Asian Football Confederation announced its support for Infantino’s bid for a fourth term at its extraordinary congress in Tokyo on Friday, October 23, despite a recent dispute over FIFA’s proposed commercial investment plan.
AFC president Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa confirmed the decision, signalling that the confederation was ready to move beyond its disagreements with FIFA leadership. The endorsement follows criticism of a proposed $4.2 billion venture involving the commercial rights of World Cup competitions.
The AFC had previously joined UEFA and CONCACAF in raising concerns about governance, transparency and insufficient consultation with member associations over the proposal.
Why the AFC Changed Its Position
The disagreement centred on FIFA Forward Enterprise, a proposed commercial entity that would manage World Cup-related commercial rights and potentially sell a 20 per cent stake to private investors. The plan was expected to raise around $4.2 billion but was withdrawn in July after facing widespread criticism.
In August, the AFC had described the breakdown in trust with FIFA leadership as a serious concern. However, Sheikh Salman said the two sides had reached an understanding during a meeting in Zurich.
Addressing Infantino in Tokyo, he expressed the confederation’s commitment to supporting the FIFA president’s leadership as he seeks another mandate. He also acknowledged that both sides had learned lessons from their earlier disagreements.
Infantino apologised to the FIFA Council the previous week over mistakes in the proposal’s consultation and communication process. He maintained that the initiative was intended to increase investment in football development.
FIFA has since committed to reviewing its governance framework through a working group involving representatives from different confederations.
UEFA Continues to Seek Answers
Despite Infantino’s apology, questions surrounding FIFA’s transparency remain unresolved. UEFA has reportedly submitted 42 questions covering 12 areas, including the abandoned commercial venture and FIFA’s decision-making procedures.
European officials have argued that the apology did not provide sufficient clarity, while FIFA has indicated that it intends to respond through its internal processes.
The contrasting positions highlight the continuing divide between football’s governing bodies over how major commercial decisions should be handled.
Infantino’s Fourth Term Bid Gains Momentum
Infantino has led FIFA since 2016 and is seeking another four-year mandate that would keep him in office until 2031. According to the supplied report, the election is scheduled for March 2027, with November 18 set as the deadline for rival candidates to submit nominations. No challenger has formally emerged so far.
The AFC represents 47 member associations, giving its endorsement considerable political significance. Infantino has also received backing from South America’s CONMEBOL and Africa’s CAF, alongside 22 Arab football associations, including Saudi Arabia and Qatar.
However, the AFC leadership’s endorsement does not guarantee that all its member associations will vote as a bloc.
The election campaign is likely to keep FIFA’s leadership, commercial strategy and governance under scrutiny as Infantino seeks to secure another term.
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