Infantino cites 211 votes for FIFA term

Gianni Infantino told the BBC he was elected by 211 member associations from around the world. He cited this number to refute speculation that he might resign from his role as FIFA president.

The controversy originated with the FIFA Forward Enterprise proposal. This plan sought private investment for a new entity controlling commercial rights for major tournaments. Infantino abandoned the proposal, and calls for him to step down emerged approximately three months ago.

The situation shifted on Friday when Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa, president of the Asian Football Confederation, endorsed Infantino for a fourth term. Sheikh Salman stated that Asia was united behind the current president.

Infantino said he had recently returned from Tokyo, where the AFC fully supported him, and from Cape Verde, where all African nations did the same. He noted that he is currently in discussions with associations across the globe.

The AFC had previously criticized the FIFA Forward Enterprise proposal alongside UEFA and CONCACAF. A divided CONCACAF and the AFC's change of stance have left European bodies increasingly isolated. This shift also exposed a lack of a viable alternative candidate for the presidency.

Infantino is seeking a fourth term that would extend until 2031. Potential candidates must submit their nominations by November 18. He apologized at a FIFA Council meeting in Zurich last week for how the FIFA Forward Enterprise proposal was handled. That apology did not sway European associations, including Germany and England.

The 56-year-old administrator struck a conciliatory tone in the interview. "It's OK to disagree," he said, "but then we need to be able to move on." He acknowledged that bringing differing views together is not always easy, but said he respects all opinions. He stated that it will be up to member associations to decide who they want as president.