Copy linkFacebookXPinterestEmailShare this article 0Join the conversationFollow usAdd us as a preferred source on GoogleNewsletterSubscribe to our newsletterA clutch of African and Asian federations have come out in support of Gianni Infantino as football's civil war rumbles on.FIFA is made up of 211 members, with each member - regardless of the country's size or football might - receiving one vote.That means that Spain, Brazil, England and Argentina have as much as a say in FIFA elections as Vanuatu, Guam, Bahamas or Aruba - and thus winning the hearts and minds (or at least, the wallets) of those nations is just as important to a successful candidacy as going for the big boys.Gianni Infantino receives backing in face of calls for resignationAs such, it is not trivial that some nations might prefer Infantino to stay on as president even as the louder European FAs are in the process of hammering him.FIFA are due for their next presidential election in March, and the pressure is mounting on Infantino to step down before we even get there after numerous countries expressed their opposition to his reign continuing. You may like Who could replace Gianni Infantino as FIFA president? FIFA president Gianni Infantino is Donald Trumps choice for key United Nations role Andy Burnham weighs in with strong message against Gianni Infantino row amid FIFA chaos Three confederations spoke out against Infantino last week when his plans to bring private investors into the World Cup were revealed, with AFC (Asia) and CONCACAF (North America, Central America and the Caribbean) voicing their opposition while UEFA (Europe) went so far as to call a boycott if plans proceeded.High-profile figures within FIFA itself even went on record to distance themselves from Infantino, who finally climbed down from the plans on Saturday.Get FourFourTwo NewsletterThe best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.That has given way to calls for Infantino to leave the post, with a group of nations including England, Wales, Denmark and Sweden formally opposing Infantino's re-election.But reports suggest that 15 nations remain in support of Infantino, with influential AFC nations Qatar and the UAE among them.As it stands, only seven of those 15 nations have gone on record to support Infantino, with Sri Lanka, Lebanon, Kuwait, Egypt and Morocco also expressing their backing. What to read next How much does Gianni Infantino earn? Gianni Infantino has issued a $40 million ultimatum over despicable World Cup sell-off plan UEFA boycotting the World Cup: Everything you need to know about football's new war The general theme of those statements in support of Infantino has praised Infantino for being willing to fold (eventually) and saying there are other elements of his proposal for the game worthy of consideration.FIFA funding is vital for the development of the game in many smaller and poorer nations, and Infantino has made a lot of hay over the years by providing increasing amounts of money to them.The Asian contingent's support is particularly noteworthy, given their confederation had come out against the proposed World Cup scheme, as it suggests an election race could end up being closer than simply adding up the total number of votes held across UEFA, AFC and CONCACAF to reach the magic 50% mark.As it stands, a contender to replace Infantino has not yet formally emerged.TOPICSWorld CupSteven ChickenSocial Links NavigationSteven Chicken has been working as a football writer since 2009, taking in stints with Football365 and the Huddersfield Examiner. Steven still covers Huddersfield Town home and away for his own publication,WeAreTerriers.com. Steven is a two-time nominee for Regional Journalist of the Year at the prestigious British Sports Journalism Awards, making the shortlist in 2020 and 2023.
