AFC President Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa did not announce support or opposition to Gianni Infantino's re-election as FIFA president, leaving Asia's potentially decisive 47 votes uncommitted ahead of the March election.
01Summary
- 01Gianni Infantino is seeking a fourth term as FIFA president in an election in March, with opposition candidates having until 18 November to file.
- 02The Asian Football Confederation's 47 member votes could be critical as Infantino faces strong opposition in Europe but has support in Africa.
- 03AFC President Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa said, 'We're not against anyone and we're not in favour of anyone' during a closed two-day session in Tokyo.
- 04Qatar has declared support for Infantino, while Jordan has voiced opposition; the AFC previously joined North American and European bodies in criticising a 'fundamental breach of trust' by Infantino.
- 05An AP tally shows 87 of 211 FIFA member federations have indicated support for Infantino.
02Why it matters
Asia's 47 votes could decide the FIFA presidency, and the AFC's neutral stance leaves the outcome uncertain; the election will shape global football governance for the next four years.
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