FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who recently apologized at the FIFA Council for attempts to sell World Cup equity, has officially kicked off his re-election campaign by meeting with the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).

The Associated Press reported on the 21st that "Infantino's re-election campaign moves to Japan this week as he meets with the AFC," adding that "a private meeting with Asian football leaders will be held behind closed doors at a five-star hotel in Tokyo."

The AFC is holding its Congress along with a conference for presidents and general secretaries in Tokyo, and President Infantino has launched his campaign for a fourth term targeting Asian football chiefs.

Infantino recently apologized during the FIFA Council meeting held in Zurich, Switzerland, regarding the "FIFA Forward Enterprise" (FFE) initiative concerning the private sale of World Cup equity.

Following his apology, his first move was to reach out to win the favor of Asian football leaders.

The sports media outlet The Athletic reported that "AFC President Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa had previously opposed Infantino's proposal to privately sell World Cup equity, creating friction, but the distance between the two may have recently narrowed," hinting at the possibility of improved relations.

The AP also reported that "so far, 87 of FIFA's 211 member associations have sided with Infantino through individual statements or support declarations from continental confederations," adding, "Infantino is already close to securing the necessary majority among the 211 FIFA member votes to confirm his fourth consecutive term. Some of the decisive votes could come from Asia."

The deadline for registering as a candidate for the FIFA presidential election to run against Infantino is November 18.

(Photo: Getty Images)