FIFA's Infantino Cites 211 Votes Amid Europe Pushback

FIFA President Gianni Infantino claims support from 211 member associations across football's 211 governing bodies as he seeks a fourth presidential term that would extend through 2031. Nominations for the presidency close on November 18. Infantino, a 56-year-old Swiss-Italian administrator, has held the role since 2016.

The endorsement tally follows a shift by the Asian Football Confederation. AFC President Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa backed Infantino for another term on Friday, saying Asia was united behind him. Infantino said he had just returned from Tokyo, where the AFC gave its full endorsement, and from Cape Verde, where all African countries did the same. "I was elected by 211 member associations from all over the world," Infantino told the BBC. He added that anyone serious about democracy and equal votes for every nation must also respect the views of "the vast, vast majority."

The contest turned on the FIFA Forward Enterprise proposal, a plan to bring private investment into a new entity that would hold commercial rights tied to major FIFA competitions. Infantino abandoned the plan. About three months ago, calls followed for him to step down over how it was handled. The AFC, UEFA, and CONCACAF, which covers North and Central America and the Caribbean, had all criticized the proposal. A divided CONCACAF and the AFC's change of course have left Europe standing largely alone. No alternative candidate has emerged for the presidency.

Infantino met the resignation question in the BBC interview with a laugh. He declined to discuss leaving the post, pointing instead to the backing he says he holds from member associations. He also acknowledged divisions inside FIFA. "It's OK to disagree," he said, "but then we need to be able to move on." He said he respects all opinions and that it will be up to member associations to decide who leads the organization.

At a FIFA Council meeting in Zurich last week, Infantino apologized for how the FFE proposal was handled. European associations, including Germany and England, did not change their position after the apology. He said he is speaking with associations worldwide.