A report says 87 associations have already signalled support for Infantino, either individually or through regional declarations. If that backing holds, it gives the incumbent a strong platform before candidates must formalise their campaigns.
The number is not the same as a guaranteed ballot. National associations can shift position, and Asian football contains a wide range of political and sporting priorities. Infantino’s meeting in Tokyo is therefore likely to focus on converting broad regional goodwill into firm electoral support.
The report describes clear differences within Asia. Qatar has reportedly backed Infantino, while Jordan has expressed opposition to his re-election. Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa, the AFC president, was also among the early critics of a proposed World Cup-related asset structure, although reports suggest his relationship with Infantino may have improved.
That split limits the value of any assumed AFC consensus. Even if Infantino secures support from the confederation’s leadership, individual associations may still vote independently.
The Asian lobbying effort follows criticism of a reportedly abandoned plan to sell World Cup assets for US$4.2 billion. The report says Infantino apologised to 37 Council members over errors in the proposal and offered an open, independent review of the organisation’s decision-making processes.
The retreat may calm the immediate dispute, but governance will remain an electoral issue. Opponents can frame the episode as evidence of centralised decision-making, while Infantino’s supporters may present the review as proof of accountability.
The next milestones are the reported 18 November candidacy deadline and the 16 December Council meeting in Doha. By March, the key question will be whether Asia’s divided support consolidates behind Infantino-or becomes the campaign’s main fault line.