Asian Football Confederation president Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al-Khalifa said at the AFC Congress in Tokyo that the confederation would support Gianni Infantino's bid for re-election as FIFA president. Infantino attended the congress, and the FIFA presidential election is due in March.
Backing at the AFC Congress
President Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa told the confederation's Congress in Tokyo, which was attended by Infantino: "we reaffirm our full commitment, of course, to supporting you as you seek a new mandate as president"
He also said: "I think you've visited a lot of countries in Asia. 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."
Sheikh Salman added: "Yes, we had some issues, we spoke about them in the past, but let's not relate the two things together..."
He also said: "As one Asian family, we are ready to move forward, united in your support, Gianni."
Earlier criticism and change in position
Sheikh Salman had previously backed criticism of Infantino's failed plan to sell stakes or commercial rights in FIFA tournaments, including the World Cup, to private investors.
BBC Sport says Sheikh Salman's backing was a significant u-turn two months after he signed a joint letter with the heads of Uefa and Concacaf criticising Infantino over the plan.
Election timetable
Infantino is up for re-election in March.
BBC Sport says the deadline for candidates to confirm they are standing against Infantino is 18 November.
BBC Sport says no candidates had yet filed to stand against Infantino and he could stand unopposed.
BBC Sport says potential rivals such as Victor Montagliani and Aleksander Ceferin have let it be known they are not contenders.
Infantino response and governance questions
Asked later about Sheikh Salman's comments, Infantino said: "I feel great about the AFC's support."
BBC Sport says Uefa has told Fifa it must release key documents and answer all questions relating to its governance and decision-making by 2 November.