AFC president comments on Infantino's FIFA presidential bid at Tokyo congress
At an extraordinary AFC congress in Tokyo, President Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa highlighted Gianni Infantino's extensive visits to Asian nations and the backing he receives from members across the continent while Infantino was present. Earlier, during a closed AFC session in Tokyo, Sheikh Salman declined to reveal whether the Asian Football Confederation would back or oppose Infantino’s bid for a fourth FIFA presidency term, noting the confederation’s 47 votes could be pivotal.
The conference showed a split in Asia, with Qatar publicly supporting Infantino and Jordan openly opposing him. The AFC’s overall stance remains unclear.
How this was covered
- Right-leaning outlets covered this 13h later
Why it matters
The AFC’s 47 votes could be decisive in determining the next FIFA president, shaping global football governance.
How this story developed
- Oct 15 Escalating Saudi-Yemen conflict threatens Asian Cup and Popovic's Socceroos swansong
- Oct 18 The Six Kings Slam tennis exhibition was shifted from October to December.
- Oct 22 At an AFC meeting in Tokyo, Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa gave no clear indication of the Asian confederation’s stance on Gianni Infantino’s re-election as FIFA president.
- Oct 24 The AFC president moved from refusing to state a position to saying Infantino receives backing from Asian members.
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