Infantino believes he has the backing of the majority of world football

FIFA President Gianni Infantino argued that he has the support of the great majority of world football ahead of the upcoming presidential election. Speaking in Azerbaijan for the FIFA U-17 World Cup, Infantino told the BBC that he did not directly answer whether he had considered resigning, responding with a laugh.

Infantino said bringing different views together under one roof is not always easy. He said disagreements are common in the world and are not a problem in themselves, adding that what matters is being able to move forward after them. In response to the recent calls for resignation, he pointed out that 211 member associations had elected him.

Infantino said the Asian Football Confederation fully supports him and that African countries also back him. He said he respects all views, and noted that member associations will decide who leads FIFA and how it is run.

Addressing the tension with UEFA, Infantino said more frequent dialogue between the two bodies is needed to repair relations. He did not give a clear answer on when the documents UEFA has requested would be shared, saying they are going through a legal process and that work on the matter is ongoing.

Last week UEFA asked for key documents related to the FIFA Forward Enterprise project to be shared by 2 November. Applications for candidacy in the March 2027 election are reported to close on 18 November. Infantino has led FIFA since 2016.