Gianni Infantino's hopes of being re-elected Fifa president have received a major boost after an endorsement from the head of the Asian Football Confederation. President Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa told the confederation's Congress in Tokyo, which Infantino attended, that "we reaffirm our full commitment, of course, to supporting you as you seek a new mandate as president."
The support marks a significant u-turn for Sheikh Salman. Just two months earlier, he had signed a joint letter with the heads of Uefa and Concacaf criticising Infantino over his failed plan to sell World Cup stakes to private investors. At the time, the three confederations accused him of breaking trust "through deception" over the Fifa Forward Enterprise scheme. In Japan, however, Sheikh Salman said it was time "to move forward."
"I've spoken to a lot of members within this continent. I know your feeling and I think your commitment is clear as well. Your support to Gianni is very clear," he added. "Yes, we had some issues, we spoke about them in the past, but let's not relate the two things together... As one Asian family, we are ready to move forward, united in your support, Gianni."
Alongside Infantino's power base in Africa and South America, the endorsement could be crucial in securing a fourth and final term. At the March election in Rabat, Uefa will have 55 votes, Africa 54, Asia 46, Concacaf 35, Oceania 11 and Conmebol 10. The deadline for candidates to declare against Infantino is 18 November, though none have filed yet and he could stand unopposed. Potential rivals such as Concacaf president Victor Montagliani and Uefa chief Aleksander Ceferin have signalled they are not contenders.
At a recent Fifa Council meeting, Infantino apologised for the World Cup sell-off plan but did not fully explain how the proposal was devised. He also proposed increasing football development funding worldwide by $3.4bn (£2.6bn). Uefa has told Fifa it must release key documents and answer all questions on its governance and decision-making by 2 November.
Source: BBC Sport Football · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing