Infantino says he has backing of ‘vast majority’ of world football

FIFA president Gianni Infantino says he retains the support of the “vast, vast majority” of world football despite criticism of a failed proposal to sell stakes in the governing body's commercial operations, including the World Cup.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino says he retains the support of the “vast, vast majority” of world football despite criticism of a failed proposal to sell stakes in the governing body’s commercial operations, including the World Cup.

In an interview with the BBC released on Saturday during the Under-15 World Cup in Azerbaijan, Infantino defended his leadership and dismissed questions about whether he had considered resigning over the proposal.

“Well, you know, I was elected by 211 member associations from all over the world,” Infantino said, referring to FIFA’s member federations.

He said disagreements were inevitable within an organisation representing football worldwide, adding that different views should be respected.

The proposal, which would have allowed outside investors to buy stakes in a new commercial subsidiary called FIFA Forward Enterprise, drew criticism from football officials in Europe, North America and Asia. FIFA later abandoned the plan, which was reported to be worth about $4.2 billion.

Infantino apologised to FIFA’s ruling council last week for “mistakes” in handling the proposal. European delegates said afterwards that they remained disappointed by what they viewed as a lack of clarity.

On Friday, the Asian Football Confederation endorsed Infantino for another term, reversing its position from two months earlier, when it had joined other regional governing bodies in criticising his handling of the proposal.

Infantino is seeking a final term as FIFA president in an election scheduled for March. Potential challengers have until November 18 to declare their candidacies.