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…