Asian Confederation to back FIFA chief Infantino’s re-election bid

Asian Football Confederation president Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa has pledged Asia’s support for Gianni Infantino’s re-election bid as FIFA president while confirming that he will also seek a third term at the helm of the AFC.

Infantino will be standing for a third stint in charge of soccer’s global governing body, having defeated Sheikh Salman to claim the presidency in 2016 following Sepp Blatter’s resignation.

“The Asian football family is forever grateful to president Infantino for his steadfast support and commitment to developing the game in our continent,” Sheikh Salman said during his address by video to delegates from Bahrain on Wednesday.

“We were encouraged by the motivated leadership provided by president Infantino during the Covid-19 pandemic, not only to Asian football but also to world football.

“As the Asian football family warmly welcomes president Infantino’s re-election bid, I can assure him today that we will stand united behind his candidateship.”

Infantino said he was honoured and humbled to receive the pledge of support from Asian delegates and their trust and commitment to continue working together.