During the interview he reflected on having been “fully endorsed” by the Asian Football Confederation – following a U-turn by its president Sheikh Salman – and having the backing of “all African countries”.

But only last week, he apologised to the Fifa Council over the “communication and consultation” regarding FFE.

He was told by Council members in that meeting that he was not “fit to be Fifa president” if he did not give them the documents they have asked for, including the rationale for FFE.

Yet, when pressed on when he would be providing the requested papers, he did not give a clear answer, saying they had to follow a “legal process” and that they were “working on it”.

“We’ll answer of course all the questions that are asked as far as the process allows, as far as we can,” he said.

Speaking from the first Under-15 World Cup in Azerbaijan, he said he and the Fifa administration were doing “as best we can” but admitted they have done “some things which are maybe less good”.

He also said that they need to have dialogue “more often” with Uefa, in an effort to repair their strained relationship.

Asked by the BBC if he was fit to be Fifa president, and whether he had considered standing down, he laughed, before saying: “Well you know I was elected by 211 member associations from all over the world.

“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.

“I’m just coming back off Tokyo where the Asian Football Confederation has fully endorsed me. I was in Cape Verde where all (Confederation of) African (Football) countries have endorsed me. I’m speaking to all associations everywhere in the world.”

He continued: “There are different points of view it’s not always easy to bring them all under one roof but we need to respect and I do respect all opinions all views and then it will be up to the Fifa member associations to decide who they want as a president and how they want Fifa to be run.”

The deadline for candidates to confirm they are standing against Infantino for the election in March is 18 November – although none have yet filed and he could stand unopposed.



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