FIFA president Gianni Infantino has gained fresh support for his bid to remain in office until 2031, dismissing resignation questions following the collapse of a controversial commercial investment proposal.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has brushed aside calls for his resignation, pointing to growing backing from football associations worldwide as he seeks a fourth term at the head of world football.

Speaking to the BBC, Infantino defended his position after the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) endorsed his re-election bid on Friday, October 23, 2026, strengthening his prospects ahead of the presidential election.

The endorsement came three months after FIFA abandoned its proposed FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) plan, which sought private investment in a new entity that would control commercial rights linked to major FIFA competitions. The proposal faced strong opposition, including criticism from European football governing body UEFA and the AFC before its recent change of position.

Asian backing strengthens Infantino’s position

AFC President Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa declared that Asia was united behind Infantino, adding significant weight to the incumbent president’s campaign.

Infantino said FIFA’s democratic structure meant that every member association should have an equal voice, arguing that the views of the majority must be respected despite disagreements within the organisation.

He also pointed to support from African football associations, referring to his recent visit to Cape Verde, where he said African countries had endorsed his candidacy.

The latest backing follows earlier criticism of the FFE proposal from the AFC, UEFA and CONCACAF, the governing body for football in North America, Central America and the Caribbean.

The shift in support has left European football increasingly isolated in its opposition, while divisions within CONCACAF have further complicated the search for a potential challenger.

Controversial investment plan remains a point of tension

The FFE proposal became a major source of controversy after FIFA explored a plan to attract private investment into a new entity responsible for commercial rights associated with its major competitions.

Critics opposed the approach, raising concerns about the proposal and its implications for the governance of the sport. FIFA eventually abandoned the plan following the backlash.

At a FIFA Council meeting in Zurich earlier this month, Infantino apologised for the way the proposal had been handled. However, his apology failed to satisfy some critics, including football associations in Germany and England.

Despite the disagreement, Infantino has maintained that differing opinions should not prevent FIFA from moving forward.

“It’s OK to disagree,” he said, emphasising the importance of respecting different views within the organisation.

Fourth term would extend presidency to 2031

Infantino, 56, is seeking another term that would keep him as FIFA president until 2031. Potential candidates must submit their nominations by November 18, 2026.

The former UEFA general secretary was elected FIFA president in 2016 and subsequently secured re-election in 2019 and 2023.

Asked whether he had considered stepping down following the collapse of the investment proposal, Infantino laughed off the suggestion and highlighted the support he had received from member associations.

He said the final decision would rest with FIFA’s member associations, which will determine who leads the organisation and how it is governed.

Although the latest endorsements strengthen his position, criticism of the abandoned investment plan highlights continuing disagreements over FIFA’s commercial strategy and leadership.

With the nomination deadline approaching, attention will turn to whether any challenger emerges and whether Infantino can maintain his broad support ahead of the election.

For now, the backing of Asian and African football associations has reinforced his campaign, even as questions over the handling of the FFE proposal continue to divide parts of the football community.

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