Infantino Cites Global Backing as Questions Over His Future at FIFA Persist

FIFA president Gianni Infantino brushed aside questions about whether he had thought of resigning, arguing that he retains the overwhelming support of football's member associations around the world. He made the remarks in an interview with the BBC, laughing as the question was put to him.

The issue stems from the failed FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) proposal. The plan sought private investment in a new entity that would control commercial rights tied to major FIFA competitions. Infantino abandoned it, and about three months ago he faced calls to step down as a result. He now appears to be in a position of strength.

His re-election chances improved on Friday, when Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa endorsed him for a fourth term. Sheikh Salman said Asia was united behind Infantino.

"I was elected by 211 member associations from all over the world," Infantino told the BBC. He said that in an organisation like FIFA there can be different points of view, but that anyone serious about democracy and equal votes for every nation must also respect the views of "the vast, vast majority."

Infantino said he had just returned from Tokyo, where the AFC fully endorsed him, and from Cape Verde, where all African countries had done the same. He added that he is speaking to associations everywhere in the world.

The AFC had earlier joined European body UEFA and CONCACAF, which represents North and Central America and the Caribbean, in criticising the FFE proposal. But a divided CONCACAF and the AFC's change of course have left Europe increasingly isolated. They have also exposed the absence of a viable alternative candidate for the FIFA presidency.

Infantino is seeking a fourth term that would run until 2031. Potential candidates have until November 18 to submit their nominations.

He apologised at a FIFA Council meeting in Zurich last week for the way the FFE proposal was handled. That gesture did not sway European football associations, including those of Germany and England.

The 56-year-old Swiss-Italian administrator struck a conciliatory tone nonetheless. "It's OK to disagree," he said, "but then we need to be able to move on." He acknowledged that it is not always easy to bring differing views under one roof, but said he respects all opinions. In his words, it will then be up to FIFA's member associations to decide who they want as president and how they want FIFA to be run.