The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has declined to indicate whether it will support Gianni Infantino’s bid for a fourth term as FIFA president, leaving Asia’s influential football federations as potential kingmakers ahead of the March election.

AFC President Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa maintained a neutral position during the conclusion of a two-day meeting in Tokyo on Thursday, October 22, 2026, saying the confederation would not take sides.

“We’re not against anyone and we’re not in favour of anyone,” Sheikh Salman said, stressing that the AFC’s priority was to do what was best for football in Asia and beyond.

The AFC’s 47 member associations could play a decisive role in the election, particularly as Infantino faces opposition from some European football leaders while receiving significant backing from Africa. With the election approaching, Asian support could prove crucial to his efforts to remain at the helm of world football.

The AFC president’s latest remarks also appear to reflect a shift from the confederation’s earlier position. Just over two months ago, the AFC joined football governing bodies in Europe and North and Central America in accusing Infantino of committing a “fundamental breach of trust.”

However, Asian football remains divided over his leadership. Qatar, host of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, has publicly supported Infantino, while Jordan has declared its opposition.

Infantino has also faced criticism following FIFA’s now-abandoned $4.2 billion plan to sell stakes in the World Cup. Last week, he apologised to FIFA’s 37-member ruling council for mistakes made in developing the proposal.

According to an Associated Press tally cited in the report, 87 of FIFA’s 211 member associations had indicated support for Infantino through individual statements or endorsements issued by their regional confederations.

Meanwhile, opposition candidates have until November 18 to submit their applications, although no challenger had formally emerged at the time of the report’s publication.

Beyond the election, the AFC also addressed regional security concerns ahead of the 2027 AFC Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia. Organisers said preparations were continuing despite heightened tensions in the Middle East.

The tournament is scheduled to run from January 7 to February 5, 2027, with 24 teams expected to compete in Riyadh, Jeddah and Khobar.

Organisers said they were monitoring developments and working with the AFC to ensure the competition proceeds as planned.

With the FIFA election approaching, the AFC’s position remains uncertain, making Asia’s 47 votes a potentially decisive factor in determining the future leadership of global football.

Source: Associated Press reporting published by Al Jazeera on October 22, 2026.

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