Controversial Infantino seems set to remain FIFA president due to turn of Asian federation

Sheikh Salman Bin Ibrahim Al-Khalifa announced the Asian Football Confederation's support for Gianni Infantino during an extraordinary congress in Tokyo. Infantino, seeking re-election on March 18, had previously lost confidence from UEFA and Concacaf due to a secret plan to sell World Cup commercial rights to private investors. After retracting his plan and apologizing, he gained the AFC's backing, securing 110 out of 211 votes needed for re-election. Sheikh Salman emphasized the importance of unity and collaboration in football, expressing a commitment to support Infantino. Infantino reciprocated by praising Sheikh Salman for his leadership in the AFC.