The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has endorsed Gianni Infantino’s bid for a fourth term as FIFA president, handing the incumbent a major boost ahead of the March 2027 election.
AFC President Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa announced the confederation’s support on Friday, October 23, 2026, during the AFC Extraordinary Congress in Tokyo, Japan.
“We affirm our full commitment to supporting you and your leadership as you seek a new mandate as the FIFA president,” Sheikh Salman said while addressing Infantino.
The endorsement marks a significant shift in the relationship between the two football leaders following disagreements over FIFA’s proposed $4.2 billion commercial venture involving private investors and the commercial rights to major football competitions.
The proposal, known as the FIFA Forward Enterprise, was withdrawn after criticism over governance, transparency and consultation with member associations.
The AFC’s backing is particularly significant given that the confederation represents 47 member associations, whose votes could prove influential in determining the next FIFA president.
Infantino, who has led world football’s governing body since 2016, is seeking another four-year mandate that could keep him in office until 2031.
The FIFA presidential election is scheduled for March 2027, with the deadline for rival candidates to submit their nominations set for November 18, 2026. No challenger had formally emerged as of Friday.
The AFC’s endorsement adds to the support Infantino has received from other regional football bodies, strengthening his position as the election approaches. However, the endorsement does not guarantee that all 47 AFC member associations will vote in line with the confederation’s leadership.
The development sets the stage for a closely watched election as football stakeholders continue to debate FIFA’s leadership, governance and the future direction of the global game.
