Infantino says he has overwhelming support ahead of Fifa presidential election

Fifa President Gianni Infantino has claimed that he enjoys the backing of the "vast, vast majority" of the football community despite facing criticism over his failed proposal to sell stakes in World Cup profits.

Infantino is seeking re-election for a final term next year, amid calls from some quarters for him to step down following the controversial plan.

His proposal to sell shares in World Cup profits through a commercial subsidiary angered football officials in Europe, North America and Asia.

However, in an interview with the BBC released on Saturday during the Under-15 World Cup in Azerbaijan, Infantino dismissed calls for his resignation.

"Well, you know, I was elected by 211 member associations from all over the world," Infantino said.

"I think what is important is that in an organisation like Fifa there can be different views, different points of view.

"But if we are serious about democracy, about the democratic process, about believing that everyone has the same vote and the same voice all over the world, that football belongs to everyone, if we are serious about that, then we need to respect as well the views of the vast, vast majority," he added.

Infantino is seeking a final term in office in the election scheduled for March. The deadline for rival candidates to enter the race is November 18.

His latest remarks came after he apologised to Fifa's ruling council last week for what he described as "mistakes" in his secretive investment plan involving the World Cup.

Despite the apology, European delegates said they left the meeting disappointed, citing what they considered a lack of clarity over the proposal.

On Friday, the Asian Football Confederation endorsed Infantino for another term, marking an apparent shift from its position two months earlier, when it criticised him for what it called a breach of trust.