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Gianni Infantino reaffirms FIFA presidency amid criticism
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has dismissed calls for his resignation, asserting that he maintains the support of the “vast majority” of the world’s footballing nations. Speaking in Baku, Azerbaijan, during the U-15 World Cup, Infantino addressed recent controversies stemming from the failed FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) proposal, which sought to sell commercial rights of FIFA competitions to private investors.
Infantino noted that while his administration has made mistakes regarding communication and consultation, he remains committed to the democratic process. He highlighted significant recent endorsements, including full support from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) following a meeting in Tokyo, and backing from all African football associations.
The AFC’s support marks a notable shift, as the confederation had previously joined UEFA and CONCACAF in criticizing the FFE plan for a perceived breach of trust. Infantino expressed a willingness to improve dialogue with UEFA to mend strained relations. He is currently seeking a fourth term in the upcoming FIFA presidential elections scheduled for March 2027.
Entities
Asian Football Confederation · Erick Thohir · FIFA · Gianni Infantino · Prabowo Subianto · Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa · Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa · Tokyo · UEFA
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 6 SOURCES] The AFC consists of 47 member associations. efesportbusiness.com · opserver.mk · www.corrierenazionale.it · minanews.net · www.suomifutis.com
- [● 26 SOURCES] The AFC officially endorsed Gianni Infantino's re-election during an extraordinary congress in Tokyo. tob.news · vreme.mk · efesportbusiness.com · opserver.mk · www.bbc.co.uk · +18 more
- [● 2 SOURCES] Indonesia's President Prabowo Subianto issued a letter of support for Infantino. kabartarakan.com · sport.harianjogja.com
- [● 25 SOURCES] Infantino has served as FIFA President since 2016. tob.news · www.bbc.co.uk · www.sozcu.com.tr · novini247.com · efesportbusiness.com · +20 more
- [● 23 SOURCES] The FIFA presidential election is scheduled for March 2027 in Rabat, Morocco. efesportbusiness.com · www.bbc.co.uk · www.sozcu.com.tr · www.corrierenazionale.it · minanews.net · +18 more
- [● 9 SOURCES] The FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) plan was valued at approximately $4.2 billion. vreme.mk · efesportbusiness.com · novini247.com · clubz.bg · gwg.ng · +3 more
- [● 13 SOURCES] The deadline for submitting alternative presidential candidacies is November 18. www.bbc.co.uk · www.corrierenazionale.it · www.sozcu.com.tr · minanews.net · www.suomifutis.com · +7 more
- [● 22 SOURCES] The AFC had previously criticized Infantino in August alongside UEFA and CONCACAF. tob.news · vreme.mk · efesportbusiness.com · opserver.mk · www.bbc.co.uk · +15 more
- [● 12 SOURCES] Infantino apologized for mistakes regarding the FFE project's communication and consultation. vreme.mk · baoquocte.vn · maquinadoesporte.com.br · www.suomifutis.com · gwg.ng · +7 more
- [● 7 SOURCES] Infantino acknowledged errors in FIFA's communication and consultation processes. alkuwaitnews.net · okaznews.net · notifalcon.com · www1.folha.uol.com.br · gwg.ng · +2 more
- [● 13 SOURCES] Infantino claims to have the support of the vast majority of member associations. alkuwaitnews.net · okaznews.net · gwg.ng · skrotymeczow.pl · sportime.sigmalive.com · +8 more
- [● 4 SOURCES] Infantino is seeking a fourth term that would last until 2031. www.elbalad.news · tob.news · efesportbusiness.com · www.bbc.co.uk