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10/24 07:03 CDT Infantino says he's supported by 'vast, vast majority' of
soccer ahead of FIFA elections
Infantino says he's supported by 'vast, vast majority' of soccer ahead of FIFA
elections
By JAMES ROBSON
AP Soccer Writer
FIFA's embattled president Gianni Infantino said he has the backing of the
"vast, vast majority" of soccer, despite his failed plan to sell stakes in the
World Cup.
Infantino is seeking re-election next year as the head of soccer's world
governing body in the face of attempts to force him to stand down in the wake
of the divisive plan.
He infuriated soccer leaders in Europe, North America and Asia over the
proposal to sell profits in the World Cup through a commercial subsidiary.
But in an interview released Saturday with the BBC at the Under-15 World Cup in
Azerbaijan, Infantino brushed off doubts about him being able to continue as
president.
"Well you know I was elected by 211 member associations from all over the
world," Infantino said. "I think what is important is that in an organization
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."
Infantino is standing for a final term in office in March. The deadline for
potential candidates to come forward to stand against him is Nov. 18.
His latest comments came after he apologized to FIFA's ruling council last week
for "mistakes" in his secretive investment plan for the World Cup.
Despite his apology, European delegates said they left the meeting disappointed
about what they saw as a lack of clarity.
On Friday, the Asian Football Confederation endorsed Infantino for another term
as FIFA president in an apparent turnaround in its stance from two months ago
when it criticized him for a breach of trust.
___
James Robson is at https://x.com/jamesalanrobson
___
See AP's full soccer coverage here
