Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Kuala Lumpur: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Executive Committee on Wednesday pledged its support to FIFA and the new FIFA President Gianni Infantino and was also united behind the AFC leadership of President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa.
The AFC Executive Committee wrote to Mr Infantino: “The AFC Executive Committee congratulates you on your success in the FIFA Presidential election, and now that the election is over we all wish to show our unity and support as you work for the benefit of FIFA and the global game.
“The AFC recognises that these have been difficult times for FIFA, but now, united as one family, we believe that you can produce a brighter future for the game which is close to so many people’s heart on this continent.
“The AFC Executive Committee and AFC Member Associations are committed to the development of football, not only in this region but also worldwide, and have consistently shown their support for the reform of FIFA which we believe is an important starting point in bringing about the needed change in fortunes.
“We now reiterate that you can always rely on Asia’s support as you take on the duties and challenges of being FIFA President during the next three years.”
Shaikh Salman added that he had visited Mr Infantino on his first day in office in Zurich and said that the meeting had been extremely positive. The AFC President said: “I have known the new FIFA President for many years and I offered him my support in the years ahead.”
The AFC Executive Committee was also united in its support for Shaikh Salman’s continued leadership of the AFC. They expressed their utmost respect for him in his decision to stand for the FIFA Presidency.
Members noted Shaikh Salman had attracted support from all corners of the world and they congratulated him on his performance in the election and offered their backing for his on-going leadership.
Shaikh Salman thanked the Executive Committee for its public declaration of support in Delhi, Doha and in Zurich, and added: “Our objective now has to be a united Asia – One Asia, One Goal – and I am delighted to be back among my colleagues.”