Asian Football Confederation reverses stance on Infantino opposition; likely to get elected again

File Photo: Gianni Infantino and Kohzo Tashima will both try to get enough votes to win the FIFA President elections in March 2027 | Photo Credit: AP

The Asian Football Confederation vice-president, Hashem Haidar, says that Gianni Infantino’s re-election as FIFA chief is to be completely certain.

“We fully and publicly support Infantino,” said Haidar, also the president of the Lebanese Football Federation

Infantino has recently been under severe criticism for his plan to sell commercial rights to the FIFA World Cup and has had public opposition from UEFA, CONCACAF and initially the AFC also.

AFC have now performed a U-turn on their opposition to Infantino, which means the Swiss football administrator is likely to be re-elected for a fourth and final term as FIFA president.

The honorary president of the Japan Football Association, Kozo Tashima, announced that he would run against Infantino. “Kozo Tashima might get a few votes, but it will be difficult for him to compete, as the FIFA presidency requires maintaining relationships in all regions of the world,” said Haidar.