Infantino Re-Election a ‘Foregone Conclusion’, Says AFC Official

Gianni Infantino‘s re-election as FIFA chief is “a foregone conclusion”, Asian Football Confederation (AFC) vice-president Hashem Haidar told AFP on Monday.

Haidar, who also heads the Lebanese Football Federation, declared the AFC’s backing for Infantino on Monday at an event in Lebanon attended by the FIFA president.

“We fully and publicly support Infantino,” Haidar said. 

The Swiss football administrator is seeking a fourth and final term in office at the election scheduled for March.

Infantino had faced stinging criticism and calls to resign after his plan to sell off commercial interests in the World Cup came to light in July.

The proposal initially drew opposition from several football confederations, including the European governing body UEFA, CONCACAF, which oversees football in North and Central America and the Caribbean, and the AFC.

However, Infantino’s position has since strengthened, particularly after the Asian confederation reversed its earlier stance and endorsed his candidacy last month.

Kozo Tashima, honorary president of the Japan Football Association, announced last week that he would challenge Infantino for the FIFA presidency.

Haidar, however, played down Tashima’s chances, arguing that winning the position would require support and strong relationships across football’s various global regions.

He said Tashima might attract some votes but would struggle to secure the backing needed to mount a serious challenge.

“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,” Haidar said.