Pakistan, Oct. 24 -- The Asian Football Confederation has endorsed Gianni Infantino for another term as FIFA president in an apparent turnaround in its stance from two months ago when it criticized the head of soccer's world governing body for a breach of trust.

AFC president Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa, speaking at the body's extraordinary congress meeting in Tokyo on Friday, embraced Infantino with a large hug in front of the membership as he delivered his endorsement.

"We affirm our full commitment to supporting you and your leadership as you seek a new mandate as the FIFA president." Sheikh Salman said. "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...