Infantino Claims 211 Votes for FIFA Presidency After Asia Flips

FIFA President Gianni Infantino stated that 211 member associations support his bid for a fourth term.

He made the claim in an interview with the BBC, where he laughed when asked if he had considered resigning. Infantino argued that his position remains strong despite recent internal conflicts.

The shift in momentum began on Friday when Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa, president of the Asian Football Confederation, formally endorsed Infantino. Sheikh Salman said the Asian region was united behind the incumbent.

Infantino noted that he was elected by 211 associations globally. He told the BBC that while different viewpoints exist within the organization, anyone who values democracy must respect the views of the vast majority.

The president said he recently returned from Tokyo, where the AFC gave its full backing, and from Cape Verde, where all African nations supported him. He added that he is currently in contact with associations across the world.

The Asian confederation had previously joined UEFA and CONCACAF in criticizing the FIFA Forward Enterprise proposal. That plan involved private investment in a new entity controlling commercial rights for major competitions. Infantino abandoned the proposal after facing calls to step down about three months ago.

With the AFC reversing its stance and CONCACAF remaining divided, European football bodies have become increasingly isolated. No viable alternative candidate has emerged for the presidency. Nominations for the election are due by November 18. Infantino seeks a term that would run until 2031. He apologized at a FIFA Council meeting in Zurich last week for how the failed proposal was handled. That apology did not change the position of European associations, including those from Germany and England. Infantino said it is acceptable to disagree but that the organization must move forward. He left the final decision to the member associations.