Asian Football Confederation Vice President: Infantino’s Re-election as FIFA President Is a Foregone Conclusion
Hashim Haidar, Vice President of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), told Agence France-Presse (AFP) on Monday that Gianni Infantino’s chances of retaining his position as FIFA President in March 2027 were “a foregone conclusion.”
Infantino, who is seeking re-election for a fourth and final term as FIFA President, had faced fierce criticism and calls for his resignation following his now-abandoned plan to sell World Cup broadcasting rights.
However, he is now in a strong position to secure re-election after the Asian Football Confederation endorsed his candidacy last month.
Infantino had previously said that he enjoyed the support of an “overwhelming majority” of member associations, rejecting calls for his departure, particularly those coming from the European football governing body.
Despite the candidacy of Kozo Tashima, honorary president of the Japan Football Association, who announced on Thursday that he would challenge Infantino, Haidar, who also heads the Lebanese Football Association, said on the sidelines of the inauguration of a stadium by Infantino in the town of Shaniyeh in Mount Lebanon, eastern Lebanon: “His (Infantino’s) chances are a foregone conclusion.”
He added: “We openly, clearly, and unequivocally support Infantino.”
While Infantino declined to speak to the media, Haidar continued: “Tashima may be able to secure some votes, but it will be difficult for him to mount a serious challenge. The FIFA presidency requires relationships and connections across the entire football world, and establishing those is not easy.”
He added: “If I were Asian, I might be able to secure some Asian and African votes, but reaching South America, North America, and other regions would be difficult. I say this with all my affection for my friend Kozo Tashima.”
