Infantino says 211 member nations back his fourth FIFA term

Gianni Infantino has declared that 211 FIFA member associations support his bid for a fourth term, a claim that solidifies his position after recent diplomatic reversals.

In a BBC interview, the Swiss-Italian president laughed off questions about whether he considered resigning. He argued that any serious approach to democracy must respect the views of the vast majority of nations.

His standing improved on Friday when Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa, president of the Asian Football Confederation, formally endorsed Infantino. Sheikh Salman stated that Asia was united behind the incumbent.

Infantino said he had just returned from Tokyo, where the AFC gave its full support. He added that all African countries had also endorsed him during a recent trip to Cape Verde.

The shift in support isolates European football bodies. The AFC and CONCACAF previously criticized the FIFA Forward Enterprise proposal alongside UEFA. Infantino abandoned that plan after it failed to secure private investment for a new commercial rights entity.

European associations, including those from Germany and England, remain critical despite Infantino apologizing at a FIFA Council meeting in Zurich last week. He called the handling of the proposal a matter for discussion but said it is important to move forward.

Potential rivals must submit nominations by November 18. Infantino aims for a term that extends to 2031. He noted that while differing views exist, it is up to the member associations to decide the future of the organization.