Gianni Infantino confident ‘vast majority’ support his bid for FIFA re-election

The Swiss has faced widespread calls to resign as president of FIFA since hatching plans to sell off a stake in the World Cup earlier this year.

UEFA and CONCACAF, the bodies responsible the game in the European and North and Central American and Caribbean regions, were at the forefront of those demands but Infantino has withstood the pressure.

Gianni Infantino and Donald Trump carry the World Cup trophy — Gianni Infantino (left), pictured with US president Donald Trump, sparked controversy by planning to sell off a stake in the World Cup (Bradley Collyer/PA)

He intends to stand for a fourth term as president at the next FIFA election in March and appears confident of having the required backing.

Infantino told BBC Sport: “Well you know I was elected by 211 member associations from all over the world.

“I think what is important is that in an organisation like FIFA, there can be different views, different points of view.

“But if we are serious about democracy, about the democratic process, about believing that everyone has the same vote and the same voice all over the world, that football belongs to everyone, if we are serious about that, then we need, to respect as well the views of the vast, vast majority.

“I’m just coming back off Tokyo where the Asian Football Confederation has fully endorsed me. I was in Cape Verde where all (Confederation of) African (Football) countries have endorsed me. I’m speaking to all associations everywhere in the world.”