Infantino Brushes Off Resignation Talk, Gathers Support for Re-election

FIFA President Gianni Infantino responded with a laugh when asked whether he had considered resigning after the failed FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) proposal. Infantino pointed to broad support from member federations around the world.

The proposal aimed to attract dedicated investment into a new structure that would control commercial rights linked to FIFA's major competitions. Calls for his resignation followed the abandonment of the proposal three months ago. However, Infantino's position strengthened after Asian Football Confederation President Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa endorsed him for a fourth term.

Infantino recalled that he was elected by 211 member federations. He said that under the democratic process everyone has the same vote and voice, and the views of the majority must be respected. Noting that Asian and African federations back him, Infantino did not respond to criticism from European federations.

Despite the European reaction, federations such as Germany and England continue to oppose Infantino. Last week at the FIFA Council meeting in Zurich, Infantino apologized for the way the FFE proposal was handled. Candidacy applications close on 18 November. Infantino wants to remain in office until 2031.