Infantino claims 211 votes after Asian shift isolates European rivals

Gianni Infantino asserted he holds the support of 211 member associations in a bid for a fourth term as FIFA president. He made the claim in a BBC interview on Friday, laughing when asked if he had considered resigning after recent internal strife.

The controversy began with the failure of the FIFA Forward Enterprise proposal. That plan sought private investment to manage commercial rights for major competitions. Infantino abandoned the scheme, and roughly three months ago, he faced calls to step down from his position.

His standing improved this week when Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa, president of the Asian Football Confederation, endorsed him for another term. Sheikh Salman stated that Asia was united behind the current leader. Infantino noted that he recently returned from Tokyo, where the AFC gave its full backing, and from Cape Verde, where all African nations did the same.

The Asian shift has changed the political dynamic. The AFC had previously joined UEFA and CONCACAF in criticizing the failed commercial proposal. With CONCACAF now divided and the AFC aligned with Infantino, Europe finds itself increasingly isolated in its opposition.

Infantino told the BBC that in an organization like FIFA, different points of view are expected. He argued that anyone serious about democracy and equal votes for every nation must respect the views of the vast majority. He said he is now speaking to associations in various regions to solidify his base.

The move has also exposed a lack of a viable alternative candidate for the presidency. Infantino is seeking a term that would run until 2031. He apologized at a FIFA Council meeting in Zurich last week for how the commercial proposal was handled, though that gesture did not sway European associations, including those of Germany and England.

The 56-year-old Swiss-Italian administrator struck a conciliatory tone regarding the ongoing disagreement. He said it is okay to disagree, but parties must be able to move on. He added that it is now up to FIFA's member associations to decide who they want as president and how they want the organization to be run. Potential candidates must submit their nominations by November 18.