AFC President supports Infantino's re-election as FIFA President
The Asian Football Confederation president confirmed the continent's support for Infantino despite previous disagreements over investment in tournaments.
Translated by Qiyas from الراي — Original source
The President of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa, announced on Friday that the Asian continent supports Swiss-Italian Gianni Infantino’s bid for re-election as president of the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA). This comes weeks after Infantino faced sharp criticism over his scrapped plan to open World Cup tournaments to private investment.
The 56-year-old Swiss attended an AFC meeting in Tokyo, where Sheikh Salman gave him clear and unequivocal support.
Sheikh Salman had previously criticized Infantino for his plan to open major FIFA competitions, such as the World Cup, to private-sector investors.
Infantino has faced calls for his resignation and has lost the backing of several national federations in his bid for a fourth and final term as FIFA president.
Speaking in a strong show of support for Infantino, Sheikh Salman said: “I believe we are reaffirming our full commitment, of course, to supporting you and your leadership as you seek a new term as FIFA president.”
He added: “I believe you have visited a large number of Asian countries. I have spoken with many members across this continent. I know their feelings, and I believe your commitment is also clear. Their support for Gianni is very evident.”
Referring to past disagreements, Sheikh Salman told Infantino during the AFC Extraordinary General Assembly: “Gianni, yes, we had some issues that we discussed previously. But let’s not link the two. We must move forward. Football is at its strongest when we work together.”
