Tokyo:Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa has pledged support for Gianni Infantino's bid for reelection as FIFA president. This announcement was made during an extraordinary AFC congress held in Tokyo, where Infantino was also in attendance.

According to Anadolu Agency – English, Sheikh Salman expressed that the AFC is fully committed to supporting Infantino's leadership as he seeks a new mandate. This backing comes after a recent reconciliation between the two leaders following a disagreement over a previously proposed FIFA commercial project.

In August, Sheikh Salman, along with UEFA and CONCACAF leaders, criticized Infantino's FIFA Forward Enterprise project, describing it as a 'fundamental breach of trust.' The project, which aimed to involve private investors in FIFA competitions, including the World Cup, was later abandoned. Infantino subsequently apologized for the project's communication and consultation process at a FIFA Council meeting in Zurich on October 15.

Both sides have since reached an understanding and are prepared to move forward. Sheikh Salman emphasized the importance of unity in football, stating that the sport is strongest when there is a shared vision and common purpose. Infantino reciprocated the support, endorsing Sheikh Salman's candidacy for a fourth term as AFC president next year, commending his leadership over the past 13 years.

Infantino has been leading FIFA since 2016 and is seeking another term in the presidential election scheduled for March 2027.