Infantino re-election hopes boosted by Asia support

Gianni Infantino's hopes of being re-elected Fifa president are enhanced by an endorsement from the Asian Football Confederation. Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa (left) had previously criticised Gianni Infantino over the Fifa Forward Enterprise scheme Gianni Infantino's hopes of being re-elected Fifa president have been given a major boost by an endorsement from the head of the Asian Football Confederation. President Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa Salman told the confederation's Congress in Tokyo – which was attended by Infantino – that "we reaffirm our full commitment, of course, to supporting you as you seek a new mandate as president". Sheikh Salman's support represents a significant u-turn just two months after he signed a joint letter with the heads of Uefa and Concacaf criticising Infantino over his failed plan to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors.

At the time the three confederations accused him of breaking trust "through deception" over the Fifa Forward Enterprise scheme. But Sheikh Salman told the meeting in Japan it was time "to move forward". "I've spoken to a lot of members within this continent. I know your feeling and I think your commitment is clear as well. Your support to Gianni is very clear," he added. "Yes, we had some issues, we spoke about them in the past, but let's not