Infantino claims broad support as Uefa presses for abandoned deal documents

Gianni Infantino has defended his leadership of Fifa while declining to give a clear timetable for releasing documents about an abandoned proposal to sell part of the organisation's commercial rights. In an interview reported by BBC Sport on Saturday, the Fifa president said he retained widespread backing among member associations despite the dispute over Fifa Forward Enterprise, known as FFE.

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The proposal would have transferred a portion of the commercial rights to Fifa competitions to a private investment firm. Infantino withdrew it within days, but questions about how it was developed have continued. According to the BBC, the presidents of Uefa, the Asian Football Confederation and Concacaf signed a letter accusing him of deception and a breach of trust during the controversy two months ago.

Uefa has since demanded the release of all key FFE documents by 2 November. Its general secretary, Theodore Theodoridis, said last week that fundamental questions remained unanswered. The BBC also reported that Infantino apologised to the Fifa Council last week over shortcomings in communication and consultation. Council members pressed him for the requested material, including the reasoning behind the proposal, and challenged his fitness to remain president if he withheld it.

Asked when the papers would be provided, Infantino cited a legal process and said work was continuing, without offering a firm date. He said questions would be answered to the extent that the process permitted. He also acknowledged the need for more frequent dialogue with Uefa, while arguing that differences of opinion were acceptable within an organisation whose members should have equal voices.

Infantino pointed to renewed support from the Asian Football Confederation and endorsements from African associations. The BBC reported that the Asian confederation's position followed a reversal by its president, Sheikh Salman. Infantino has also proposed increasing worldwide football-development funding by $3.4 billion. He has led Fifa since 2016 and is seeking a fourth presidential term in next year's election.

Candidates have until 18 November to register for the March vote. The BBC said no challenger had yet filed, leaving open the possibility of an uncontested election. Infantino gave the interview from Azerbaijan, where he was attending the inaugural Under-15 World Cup and Festival. His claims of electoral backing come as Uefa continues to seek answers about the abandoned commercial-rights plan.