Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Kuala Lumpur: FIFA President Sepp Blatter spoke of how Asia has and can continue to play a major role in many aspects of the global game while addressing the delegates at the 25th AFC Congress on Friday.
Remarking that 50% of FIFA’s estimated US$1 billion revenue comes from Asian sponsors and broadcasters Blatter said:
“Asia is powerhouse. You must be aware of this power and use it well and use it in solidarity with others to help realise our goals of developing the game and preparing a better future.”
Despite swelling the coffers of the global game’s governing body more than any other continent Asia is conversely ‘under-represented’ in the number of places in FIFA tournament’s most notably the World Cup.
And Blatter encouraged the delegates at the Congress to lobby for more places and attempt to create a more level playing field.
"Perhaps we should not change a lot but we have the right, and you have the right, and I have the obligation and the responsibility to bring this matter to discussion," Blatter said, referring to the domination of Europe and South America in the global game.
Asia’s challenge for better representation on the world stage will be led by new AFC President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, who was elected to the most powerful position in Asian football at Thursday’s AFC Extraordinary Congress.
Blatter also attended that event and the FIFA President again expressed his congratulations to his AFC counterpart, who was elected to office by winning 33 of the 46 votes to sweep to victory ahead of Thailand’s Worawi Makudi (7 votes) and Yousuf Al Serkal of the UAE (6 votes).
“What prevailed in this electoral congress was discipline and respect,” said Blatter.
“It was a great congress and the procedures for the election were made with total transparency. I congratulate you all and of course most notably my congratulations go to Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa the new AFC President.
“Good luck for the future and as I said yesterday with unity you cannot fail.”