Infantino claims 211 votes for fourth term

FIFA President Gianni Infantino stated that 211 member associations support his bid for a fourth term. He made the claim in a BBC interview, asserting that the global majority backs his leadership despite recent internal friction.

The push for his resignation followed the collapse of the FIFA Forward Enterprise proposal. That plan sought private capital for a new entity controlling commercial rights for major competitions. Infantino abandoned the scheme, and calls for him to step down intensified roughly three months ago.

His position strengthened on Friday when Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa, president of the Asian Football Confederation, endorsed Infantino. Al Khalifa stated that Asia was united behind the incumbent. This endorsement marked a shift for the AFC, which had previously joined UEFA and CONCACAF in criticizing the failed proposal.

Infantino noted that he had just returned from Tokyo, where the AFC gave full backing, and from Cape Verde, where African nations did the same. He said he is in discussions with associations worldwide. He argued that while different points of view exist, those who value democracy must respect the views of the vast majority.

The support from Asia and Africa has isolated European football bodies. UEFA and parts of CONCACAF remain critical of how the FFE proposal was handled. The changing alliances have also highlighted the lack of a viable alternative candidate for the presidency.

Infantino apologized for the handling of the FFE plan at a FIFA Council meeting in Zurich last week. He struck a conciliatory tone, saying it is okay to disagree but that the organization must move on. He acknowledged that bringing differing views together is difficult but stated he respects all opinions.

Nominations for the FIFA presidency are due by November 18. The fourth term, if secured, would run until 2031. Infantino said the decision now rests with member associations, who will determine who they want leading the organization and how they want it run.