Infantino claims 211 votes in fourth FIFA bid

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has secured a decisive majority of the 211 member associations backing his bid for a fourth term, a move that isolates European critics following the collapse of a major commercial restructuring plan.

Infantino announced his re-election prospects improved on Friday after Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa, President of the Asian Football Confederation, formally endorsed him. Sheikh Salman stated that the Asian continent stands united behind the incumbent leader. This endorsement follows a similar show of support from African nations, which Infantino reported from a recent visit to Cape Verde.

The shift in continental support has narrowed the opposition to primarily the European body UEFA and a divided CONCACAF. These groups previously criticized the FIFA Forward Enterprise proposal, a plan for private investment in a new entity controlling commercial rights for major competitions. Infantino abandoned the proposal about three months ago after facing calls to step down. The change in stance by the Asian Football Confederation, which had initially joined the European and North American criticism, leaves Europe increasingly isolated in the leadership dispute.

In a BBC interview, Infantino laughed when asked if he had considered resigning. He cited his election mandate from all 211 associations as proof of his standing. "I was elected by 211 member associations from all over the world," he said. He argued that any organization serious about democracy must respect the views of the vast majority, even when different points of view exist within FIFA.

Infantino, a 56-year-old Swiss-Italian administrator, is seeking a term that would extend his leadership until 2031. Potential challengers must submit their nominations by November 18. No viable alternative candidate has emerged to challenge the incumbent's position.

The President apologized to the FIFA Council in Zurich last week for the handling of the failed commercial proposal. That gesture did not change the position of European associations, including those from Germany and England. Infantino struck a conciliatory tone in recent remarks, stating it is acceptable to disagree but necessary to move forward. He said the final decision on who runs FIFA rests with the member associations.

The leadership battle now centers on whether the European bloc can find a candidate before the deadline. Infantino maintains that the overwhelming support from Asian, African, and other global bodies validates his continued tenure despite the recent administrative setbacks.