Mongolia distances itself from the AFC and supports Infantino for his re-election
The Mongolian Football Federation (MFF), member of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), has confirmed its “full support” for the president of the FIFA, Gianni Infantino, for his re-election, in contrast to the critical stance that his Asian confederation maintains towards the Swiss leader.
The MFF released a statement this Friday through its official Instagram account, in which it expressed its “sincere gratitude” to FIFA for its support for the development of football in Mongolia and highlighted the collaboration maintained with the international organization on infrastructure projects.
Specifically, the Mongolian federation highlighted the construction of a covered ‘Air Dome’ pavilion, the renovation of fields, the installation of new artificial grass fields and lighting systems in the National Training Center, facilities that it considers “fundamental” for the development of its teams and the country’s football.
“We count on FIFA to be our partner to continue these positive initiatives,” said the MFF, which also highlighted Infantino’s involvement in the development of Mongolian football.
“In this sense, the MFF confirms its full support for Gianni Infantino for his re-election as FIFA president,” said the federation, which also called for an end to attempts by some European associations to influence his position.
There may be a certain opinion in Europe about the management of sport, he added, but “it is not an opinion that is shared in other parts of the world”, where, according to the MFF, the support and dedication of FIFA are essential to maintain and develop football.
Mongolia’s position differs from that of the AFC, of which it is a member along with 46 other associations, and whose president, Bahraini Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, joined UEFA and Concacaf in criticizing Infantino for the FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) project.
The position of the Asian confederation has also caused a public confrontation with the Qatar Football Federation (QFA), one of Infantino’s main supporters within Asia. QFA president Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani questioned whether the AFC could speak on behalf of its members without consulting them, while Salman defended his authority and responsibility to act in defense of the interests of Asian football.
The contrast between Mongolia and the AFC management occurs in the midst of the crisis around FFE, promoted by Infantino to allow the entry of private investment in part of the commercial rights of FIFA competitions. The initiative contemplated the sale of around 20% of those rights for around $4.2 billion and was withdrawn by Infantino on July 31 after criticism received.
In recent weeks, several federations have withdrawn their support for Infantino ahead of the March 2027 presidential elections, while others, including several associations in Africa, South America and Asia, have publicly maintained their support.
Mongolia now joins that second group and claims the effects of collaboration with FIFA for the development of its football. In fact, Infantino received the Mongolian Friendship Medal this year, the country’s highest distinction for a foreign citizen, during a meeting with MFF leaders in Zurich.
Infantino aspires to continue leading FIFA in the Congress scheduled for March 2027, in which he will seek a fourth term.
