FIFA president Gianni Infantino has received a significant boost in his bid for re-election, with the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) rallying behind him. This development comes after Infantino faced criticism for his aborted World Cup selloff plan, which sparked a furious backlash from various football governing bodies. The AFC's endorsement is a major show of support for Infantino, who is seeking a fourth term in charge of FIFA. The FIFA president expressed his gratitude for the backing, citing the importance of respecting the views of the majority.
Infantino's future in the role was in doubt two months ago when he faced opposition from several football governing bodies, including UEFA, CONCACAF, and the AFC. However, he has since apologized for the failed private investment project and appears to be in a strong position to secure re-election in March. With no other candidate yet to oppose Infantino, it seems likely that he will be re-elected for a fourth term. The deadline for other candidates to come forward is November 18.
Infantino has been touring various countries, meeting with football associations and securing their endorsement for his re-election bid. He recently visited Tokyo, where the AFC fully endorsed him, and Cape Verde, where all African countries expressed their support. Infantino emphasized the importance of respecting the views of all member associations, stating that football belongs to everyone and that everyone has an equal vote.
The FIFA president's bid for re-election has been boosted by the lack of opposition so far. With the deadline for other candidates to come forward approaching, it seems increasingly likely that Infantino will be re-elected unopposed. Infantino has stated that he respects all opinions and views, and that it will be up to the FIFA member associations to decide who they want as president and how they want FIFA to be run.
Meanwhile, in Nigeria, Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared open the 2026 Port Harcourt Amateur Open Golf Championship. The event, which is being held in Port Harcourt, has attracted over 250 golfers from across Nigeria. Fubara expressed his commitment to supporting initiatives that promote youth development and the wellbeing of Rivers people.
The 2026 Port Harcourt Amateur Open Golf Championship is being seen as a testament to the fact that Rivers State is safe, peaceful, and open for sports, tourism, and business. Fubara commended the Local Organizing Committee for their hard work in putting the event together and expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to support the championship.
In other sports news, Nigerian clubs MFM Basketball Club and First Bank Basketball Club will compete in the FIBA Africa Zone 3 qualifiers in Monrovia, Liberia, from November 2 to 9. The two teams will battle for places in the African Women's Basketball League finals, with the top two teams earning qualification for the continental finals in Cairo, Egypt.
Key points
- Gianni Infantino gains backing from Asian Football Confederation for re-election bid
- Infantino faces no opposition so far, with deadline for candidates approaching
- Nigerian clubs compete in FIBA Africa Zone 3 qualifiers in Liberia
