FIFA President Gianni Infantino revealed today, Saturday, that he has received the support of the "overwhelming majority" of member associations in his bid for re-election, despite criticisms surrounding his plan to sell part of the World Cup rights to private sector investors.
Infantino told the BBC: "I think what’s important is that in an organization like FIFA, there can be different opinions and different views."
He added, "But if we take democracy seriously, and its process, and believe that everyone has the same voice and the same opinion around the world, and that football belongs to everyone, then we must, if we are serious about it, also respect the views of the vast majority."
He continued, "I just returned from Tokyo, where the Asian Football Confederation supported me fully. I was in Cape Verde, where all African countries supported me. I am speaking to all associations around the world."
No other candidate has come forward yet to challenge Infantino, with less than a month remaining until the nomination deadline set for November 18.
He added, "There are different views, and it's not always easy to gather them all under one roof, but we have to respect, and I respect, all opinions and perspectives. After that, it is up to the FIFA member associations to decide who they want as president and how they want FIFA to be managed."
The Asian Football Confederation announced its support for Infantino yesterday, Friday, in an important boost to the hopes of the 56-year-old Swiss-Italian for a fourth term.
Infantino's future in the role was in doubt two months ago when he faced an angry backlash over his plan to sell part of the commercial rights of the competitions organized by FIFA to private investors.
The presidents of UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation, and CONCACAF signed a letter stating that football "is not owned by any individual."
However, Infantino, who apologized last week for the failed private investment project, is in a strong position to secure re-election in March of next year.