Gianni Infantino laughs off critics and claims 'vast majority' of football backs him

Gianni Infantino is facing the final stretch of his re-election campaign with a smile on his face. The FIFA president responded with laughter when asked whether he had considered stepping down following the collapse of his commercial plans, and he declared that he holds the support of the 'vast, vast majority' of world football. His prospects received a significant boost this week.

• Infantino plans to seek re-election in March and says most of the football world backs him.
• The Asian Football Confederation reversed course and offered its support.
• UEFA and Concacaf had previously signed a letter accusing him of 'deception'.
• UEFA is preparing to bring a legal challenge against him in the United States.
• He was speaking in Baku during the opening of FIFA's under-15 World Cup, which features Russia.

Asian Football Confederation U-turn strengthens Infantino's path

Gianni Infantino's campaign to remain in office gained crucial traction this week with a key move from Asia. The Asian Football Confederation (AFC), which had previously aligned itself with UEFA’s critical stance, announced a complete reversal and declared its 'full commitment' to the current president. This change of heart leaves Infantino in a commanding position ahead of the vote.

With this new backing, the Swiss-Italian official sees his path to the required votes in the March congress cleared. The deadline for opposing candidates to announce their intention to stand expires next month, and so far, no one has come forward to challenge his leadership. The lack of rivals, combined with support from the African and Asian confederations, points toward a straightforward re-election.

UEFA and Concacaf pressure: the dispute over the FFE project

Infantino’s presidency went through a turbulent summer. The project known as Fifa Forward Enterprise (FFE), which included selling commercial stakes in the World Cup to private investors, collapsed amid intense internal tensions. UEFA and Concacaf, joined by the AFC at the time, signed an open letter accusing the president of breaking trust through 'deception'.

The European opposition went further and even called for Infantino to resign. Although tensions have cooled somewhat, UEFA maintains its combative stance and is preparing a legal challenge in United States courts. Infantino acknowledged that further 'dialogue' is needed with the European body, which remains the main source of resistance to his leadership.

Infantino's defense: 'You cannot make everyone happy'

Far from being affected by the pressure, Gianni Infantino delivered a conciliatory yet firm message. In comments to the BBC, he recalled that he was elected by all 211 member associations and defended the legitimacy of his mandate. For the president, diversity of opinion is inherent to a global and democratic organization like FIFA.

We need to recognise that there are processes, there are democratic processes, and you cannot always make everyone happy everywhere. Unfortunately, I would love to, and I’m trying my best to do that.

The official stressed that he is willing to build bridges. 'I always said as far as I’m concerned, I’m always there with my arms open, with my mind open, with my heart open to discuss with everyone,' he stated. He also emphasized the value of healthy disagreement, though he insisted on the need to 'move on' after any differences.

Baku hosts under-15 World Cup with Russian participation

Infantino's remarks took place in Baku, Azerbaijan, coinciding with the opening day of FIFA’s Under-15 World Cup. The youth tournament brings together teams from 189 federations in a pioneering format and serves as a showcase for the future of grassroots football.

The competition has drawn extra attention due to Russia's participation. It marks the first time a Russian team has competed in an official FIFA tournament since the invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The Russian presence in the youth event is an initial step in their gradual reintegration into the international calendar under Infantino's watch.

The electoral horizon for FIFA in March

FIFA's electoral congress will take place in March, and for now, Gianni Infantino is the only declared candidate. After weathering the challenge to his authority, the president has outlined internal reform plans to consolidate his position. Last week he apologized to members of the FIFA Council over the handling of the failed project.

With reconciliation in Asia and confirmed African backing from Cape Verde, the official believes the message from the member associations is clear. 'I'm just coming back from Tokyo where the Asian Football Confederation has fully endorsed me. I was in Cape Verde where all African countries have endorsed me. I'm speaking to all associations everywhere in the world,' he said. The growing list of endorsements paints a very difficult picture for any potential challenger.