Infantino re-election hopes boosted by Asia support
Gianni Infantino's bid for a fourth term as FIFA president has been strengthened by an endorsement from the Asian Football Confederation. This support marks a reversal for Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa, who had previously criticized Infantino's leadership.
Why it matters
FIFA's leadership decisions impact the governance of the world's most popular sport and influence the distribution of massive financial resources across global football confederations.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa (left) had previously criticised Gianni Infantino over the Fifa Forward Enterprise scheme
Sports editor Published 2 hours ago Gianni Infantino's hopes of being re-elected Fifa president have been given a major boost by an endorsement from the head of the Asian Football Confederation.
President Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa Salman told the confederation's Congress in Tokyo - which was attended by Infantino - that "we reaffirm our full commitment, of course, to supporting you as you seek a new mandate as president".
Sheikh Salman's backing represents a significant u-turn just two months after he signed a joint letter with the heads of Uefa and Concacaf criticising Infantino over his failed plan to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors.
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