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10/24 11:28 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 in the face of attempts to force him
to stand down following 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 on Saturday with the BBC at the Under-15 World Cup
in Azerbaijan, Infantino brushed off calls for him to step down.
"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
opposition candidates 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
in an apparent turnaround in its stance from two months ago when it criticized
him for a breach of trust.
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James Robson is at https://x.com/jamesalanrobson
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See AP's full soccer coverage here
