Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa (left) had previously criticised Gianni Infantino over the Fifa Forward Enterprise scheme
Gianni Infantino's hopes of being re-elected Fifa president have been given a major boost by an endorsement from the head of the Asian Football Confederation.
President Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa told the confederation's Congress in Tokyo - which was attended by Infantino - that "we reaffirm our full commitment, of course, to supporting you as you seek a new mandate as president".
Sheikh Salman's backing represents a significant u-turn just two months after he signed a joint letter with the heads of Uefa and Concacaf criticising Infantino over his failed plan to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors.
At the time the three confederations accused him of breaking trust "through deception" over the Fifa Forward Enterprise scheme, and "a profound failure of judgement...these are not the qualities football deserves in its leadership."
But in what appears to be a blow to the rebellion against Infantino, Sheikh Salman told the meeting in Japan it was time "to move forward".
"I've spoken to a lot of members within this continent. I know your feeling and I think your commitment is clear as well. Your support to Gianni is very clear," he added.
"Yes, we had some issues, we spoke about them in the past, but let's not relate the two things together...
"As one Asian family, we are ready to move forward, united in your support, Gianni."
Alongside Infantino's power base in Africa and South America, Sheikh Salman's endorsement could be crucial in ensuring the Fifa president secures a fourth and final term.
At the election in Rabat in March, Uefa will have 55 votes, Africa 54, Asia 46, Concacaf 35, Oceania 11 and Conmebol 10.
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The deadline for candidates to confirm they are standing against Infantino is 18 November - although none have yet filed and he could stand unopposed.
Potential rivals such as Victor Montagliani, the president of Concacaf, and Uefa chief Aleksander Ceferin have let it be known they are not contenders.
"You've been doing a fantastic job in AFC in the last 13 years, my dear Salman," Infantino said in an address to the confederation's delegates.
"You will do fantastically as well for the next how many years you want. And always, always with my full support, with the partnership of Fifa, because we have seen what we have been doing in the last years."
Asked later about Sheikh Salman's comments, Infantino said: "I feel great about the AFC's support."
At a meeting of Fifa's Council last week, Infantino apologised for his World Cup sell-off plan , but failed to offer a full explanation for how the proposal was devised.
He also proposed to increase the amount of money handed out for football development across the world by $3.4bn (£2.6bn).
Uefa has since told Fifa it must release key documents and answer all questions relating to its governance and decision-making by 2 November.
