Infantino Reelection Campaign Moves to Japan for AFC Meeting

Gianni Infantino is scheduled to meet with Asian soccer leaders in Tokyo this Wednesday as he seeks a fourth term as FIFA president.

Gianni Infantino’s campaign for a fourth term as FIFA president moves to Tokyo this Wednesday for a scheduled meeting with the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). According to an Associated Press tally, Infantino currently holds public support from 87 of the 211 member federations, placing him near the simple majority required for the March election. This diplomatic push follows an apology issued last week in Zurich to the 37-member FIFA Council regarding a now-cancelled $4.2 billion plan to sell off World Cup rights.

The meeting at a five-star hotel will be largely closed to the media as Infantino seeks to consolidate votes within a divided Asian bloc. While Qatar has expressed support for the incumbent leader, Jordan has declared its opposition. The Athletic reports that AFC President Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa, who initially opposed a plan to create a subsidiary for World Cup management, may have moved closer to supporting Infantino.

To address internal criticism, Infantino has proposed an independent review of FIFA’s decision-making processes. While Europe represents the largest block of opposition, the FIFA Council is set to convene its next official meeting on Dec. 16 in Doha, Qatar. The AFC previously joined UEFA in demanding explanations for the scrapped $4.2 billion sell-off proposal before the current reelection efforts moved to Japan.