Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al-Khalifa, president of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), has publicly supported Gianni Infantino’s bid for reelection as FIFA president, reversing his earlier criticism. The endorsement came on Friday, approximately two months after Sheikh Salman condemned Infantino’s proposal to sell a stake in FIFA tournaments, a plan that sparked significant controversy within global football governance.

In July, Infantino faced widespread backlash following his initiative to introduce private investors into a new commercial entity that would control rights associated with major events, including the FIFA World Cup. The move was seen by many as a departure from FIFA’s traditional governance model and prompted calls for Infantino to step down. At that time, Sheikh Salman joined UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin and CONCACAF president Victor Montagliani in issuing an open letter that questioned Infantino’s approach, labeling it a "breach of trust" in relation to FIFA’s stewardship.

Despite these earlier disagreements, Sheikh Salman’s recent endorsement signals a shift in his stance toward Infantino’s leadership. The AFC head’s support adds a significant voice to the growing chorus behind the incumbent president as the reelection campaign advances. FIFA’s presidency is closely watched given the global influence of the sport and the ongoing efforts to stabilize the organization following past corruption scandals.

Infantino, who has been in office since 2016, has overseen various reforms aimed at increasing transparency and expanding football’s global reach. However, his tenure has not been without controversy, with the proposed commercialization strategy in mid-2026 being among the most contentious episodes.

The upcoming FIFA election will be closely contested, with candidates and confederations navigating complex political dynamics within international football. Sheikh Salman’s endorsement is likely to influence the perspectives of other football leaders and stakeholders across Asia and beyond, highlighting the importance of unity among FIFA’s member associations in the lead-up to the vote.

As the election approaches, further developments are expected regarding campaign positions and alliances. Meanwhile, the debate over privatization and commercial rights within FIFA remains a key issue shaping the future direction of the organization.