Gianni Infantino's re-election as FIFA president appears to be a formality, according to Hashem Haidar, vice-president of the Asian Football Confederation. Haidar told AFP that Infantino's re-election is a "foregone conclusion". Infantino has faced criticism and calls to quit after his plan to sell off commercial interests in the World Cup came to light in July. Despite initial opposition from several confederations, Infantino now seems poised to secure re-election for a fourth and final term as FIFA president in March.
Infantino had faced significant opposition, with European confederation UEFA and CONCACAF in North America initially leading the charge against him. However, the Asian Football Confederation, which had initially opposed Infantino, has since performed a U-turn and endorsed him. Haidar, who is also president of the Lebanese Football Federation, expressed full and public support for Infantino at an event in Lebanon attended by Infantino.
The only announced challenger to Infantino is Kozo Tashima, the honorary president of the Japan Football Association. However, Haidar believes Tashima will struggle to compete, as the FIFA presidency requires maintaining relationships in all regions of the world. Haidar thinks Tashima might garner a few votes but doubts his ability to mount a credible challenge.
Infantino's re-election bid has been boosted by the backing of the Asian Football Confederation. The AFC's endorsement has significantly strengthened Infantino's position, making it more challenging for Tashima or any other potential candidates to mount a successful challenge. Infantino's supporters argue that he has provided stability and leadership to FIFA during his tenure.
Despite the criticism Infantino faced, Haidar remains confident that Infantino will continue to lead FIFA effectively. Haidar's comments suggest that Infantino's re-election is not only likely but also widely accepted by the football community. The AFC's support for Infantino has helped to quell opposition and pave the way for his re-election.
Infantino's plan to sell off commercial interests in the World Cup had sparked controversy, with many questioning the potential impact on the tournament's integrity. However, it appears that Infantino has managed to navigate these challenges and maintain the support of key stakeholders, including the AFC. His re-election would mark a significant milestone in his tenure as FIFA president.
The re-election of Infantino would have significant implications for the future of football. With his re-election, Infantino is expected to continue implementing his vision for the sport, which has been shaped by his experiences and challenges during his current tenure. Key stakeholders will be watching closely to see how Infantino addresses ongoing challenges and implements his plans for the future of football.
Key points
- Infantino's re-election as FIFA chief is a 'foregone conclusion', according to Hashem Haidar.
