In a major political boost ahead of the upcoming global football elections, Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa has formally endorsed FIFA President Gianni Infantino for re-election.
Speaking at the AFC Extraordinary Congress in Tokyo on Friday, October 23, 2026, Sheikh Salman signaled a dramatic shift from recent friction between the regional governing body and world football's leadership, pledging Asia’s backing for Infantino’s new mandate.
The public endorsement significantly bolsters Infantino's prospects of retaining the FIFA presidency, consolidating his support base across the 47-member Asian bloc.
The endorsement marks a sharp U-turn for the AFC leadership, which had previously joined European (UEFA) and North American (CONCACAF) football officials in opposing controversial commercial proposals, including the abandoned FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) initiative.
Addressing delegates in Tokyo with Infantino in attendance, Sheikh Salman acknowledged past policy disputes while calling for unity across the global game.
Infantino welcomed the gesture, addressing the assembly to express gratitude for the continent's support and reaffirming his commitment to expanding financial development grants for member associations worldwide.
With the candidate nomination deadline set for November 18, 2026, ahead of the FIFA Presidential Election in March 2027, Infantino remains the frontrunner.
Asia's 47 votes, combined with solid backing from the Confederation of African Football (CAF), place Infantino well clear of the threshold required for a majority.
While European football governing body UEFA continues to raise questions over governance and decision-making transparency, no rival candidate has formally declared a campaign to challenge Infantino.
Infantino highlighted significant growth in FIFA development distributions to national associations as a cornerstone of his administration's platform.