Asian Football Confederation backs Infantino for another term

Asian Football Confederation President Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa said Friday that the 47-member body supports Gianni Infantino’s bid for another term as FIFA president, reversing the confederation’s earlier opposition to one of his plans for the sport’s commercial rights. Sheikh Salman announced the endorsement at the AFC’s extraordinary congress in Tokyo, telling Infantino the confederation was committed to supporting his leadership as he seeks a new mandate. The announcement came a day after Sheikh Salman had made remarks that gave no indication the AFC would endorse or oppose Infantino. Sheikh Salman said he had spoken with many members across Asia and believed his view was shared by most, but not necessarily all, of them. The AFC has 47 member associations; the public endorsement does not establish how each will vote in FIFA’s election. Infantino, who is seeking a fourth term, thanked the AFC president and acknowledged that he had made mistakes. He said learning from experience and moving forward were important. Sheikh Salman also referred to past disagreements, saying the two had discussed them and learned lessons, without detailing the issues in his address....