FIFA president Gianni Infantino's reputation seemed to be irreparably damaged after his failed World Cup sale plot - but he now looks likely to remain in post

The Gianni Infantino world tour has reaped rich rewards. Now we are looking at the very real prospect of Infantino being elected as FIFA president for a fourth and final term.

And at this rate, Infantino could even get back in unopposed as the deadline for submitting candidacies is November 18. The latest boost has come in the form of 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.”

That is a major U-turn by Sheikh Salman who just two months ago signed a joint letter with the heads of Uefa and Concacaf criticising Infantino over his failed World Cup sell-off plan.

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Back then, the letter spelt out a damning indictment on “deception” and accused Infantino of a “profound failure of judgement... these are not the qualities football deserves in its leadership.”

But what was a clear change of direction and blow to the rebellion against Infantino, Sheikh Salman said it was time "to move forward”.

Sheikh Salman said: “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.

"Yes, we had some issues, we spoke about them in the past, but let's not relate the two things together. As one Asian family, we are ready to move forward, united in your support, Gianni."

Infantino has a strong power base in Africa and South America and therefore Sheikh Salman's endorsement could be crucial as it means the FIFA president has continents sewn up.

At the election in Rabat in March, Uefa will have 55 votes, Africa 54, Asia 46, Concacaf 35, Oceania 11 and Conmebol 10.

The deadline for candidates is looming but the only serious rival to Infantino to publicly declare is former Tottenham and Switzerland defender Ramon Vega.

Any candidate then needs the support of five national associations to make the ballot paper and Vega believes his campaign has the necessary backing.

The clamour has been for Arsene Wenger to stand but there is no public suggestion he is ready to go head-to-head against Infantino. Just that people want him to.

But here’s the thing. The reluctance from standing probably comes from the fact you cannot risk losing to Infantino. That would be damaging.

Infantino looked damaged beyond repair after the summer but has gone round the world on a charm offensive - and it appears to have worked, outside of UEFA of course.

Infantino has also proposed to increase the amount of money handed out for football development across the world by $3.4bn (£2.6bn).

Uefa has since told FIFA it must release key documents and answer all questions relating to its governance and decision-making by 2 November. But the reality is that Infantino is winning his fight.