AFC President - SHAIKH SALMAN BIN EBRAHIM AL KHALIFA

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AFC President - SHAIKH SALMAN BIN EBRAHIM AL KHALIFA

THE PRESIDENT - LATEST NEWS

DPR Korea’s global dominance lauded by AFC President

Sun, 09 Nov, 2025

DPR Korea’s global dominance lauded by AFC President

Kuala Lumpur: Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa has hailed the remarkable achievement of DPR Korea after the East Asians defeated the Netherlands 3-0 to clinch a record-extending fourth FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup title at the Olympic Stadium of Rabat in Morocco on Saturday.

The exceptional triumph marked a historic first for DPR Korea, as Pak Song Jin’s charges became the first Asian side to successfully defend their crown on the global stage following a similar title-winning run in the Dominican Republic last year. With a total of 25 goals scored—a single-edition record —and just three conceded, the East Asian side’s performance at the ninth edition of the tournament will take its place as one of the most dominant in history. Astonishingly, all four triumphs were achieved in unbeaten fashion.

AFC President reaffirms commitment towards Pakistan FF

Fri, 07 Nov, 2025

AFC President reaffirms commitment towards Pakistan FF

Islamabad: Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, President of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), underlined his steadfast support towards the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) following the conclusion of his four-day visit to the country on Friday.

The AFC President congratulated PFF President Syed Mohsen Gilani on his successful election to the high-level post in May this year, which was the Federation’s first presidential election since 2015, following the 2019 appointment of a Normalisation Committee, and outlined his confidence for a new era of progress for football development in Pakistan.

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Oman FA’s efforts to raise football standards lauded by Shaikh Salman

Tue, 04 Nov, 2025

Oman FA’s efforts to raise football standards lauded by Shaikh Salman

Muscat: Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa held several high-level discussions with the Oman leadership during his visit to the Sultanate, which concluded on Tuesday.

Shaikh Salman, who congratulated OFA President Al-Sayyid Sulaiman on being successfully elected as Chairman of the OFA Board of Directors for the 2025–2029 term in June this year, praised the Sultanate’s whole-of-government approach towards driving football development, underlined by the consistent form of its teams and players on the Continental stage.

Shaikh Salman offers condolences on passing of former AFC Acting President Kambiz Atabai

Tue, 04 Nov, 2025

Shaikh Salman offers condolences on passing of former AFC Acting President Kambiz Atabai

Kuala Lumpur: Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa and the entire Asian football family have expressed their deepest condolences on the passing of former Acting President of the AFC, Kambiz Atabai, who died on Monday.

Atabai was the President of the Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran (FFIRI) from 1972 to 1978 and led the Federation to one of its most successful eras in history as Team Melli clinched the AFC Asian Cup™ crown for a third consecutive time in 1976, which remains a record to this day.

AFC President discusses Asian football development with Chinese Sports Minister H.E. Gao Zhidan

Sat, 01 Nov, 2025

AFC President discusses Asian football development with Chinese Sports Minister H.E. Gao Zhidan

Manama: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President, Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, today received His Excellency Gao Zhidan, Minister of the General Administration of Sport of China (GASC) and President of the Chinese Olympic Committee of the People’s Republic of China, in the Kingdom of Bahrain.

Welcoming H.E. Gao Zhidan, the AFC President praised the deep-rooted relations between the AFC and the Chinese sports authorities, including the Chinese Football Association (CFA). He commended the significant efforts made by the Chinese government to develop football at all levels, including its continued support for the CFA and its extensive investments in infrastructure and youth talent.

Shaikh Salman sends best wishes to Qatar and Asian contenders

Tue, 28 Oct, 2025

Shaikh Salman sends best wishes to Qatar and Asian contenders

Kuala Lumpur: With the newly expanded 48-team FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 set to mark a new era for youth football, Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa has conveyed his best wishes to the host nation and Asia’s representatives ahead of Monday’s kick-off in Al Rayyan.

A record nine teams – AFC U17 Asian Cup™ Saudi Arabia 2025 quarter-finalists Japan, Indonesia, Tajikistan and the United Arab Emirates, semi-finalists DPR Korea and Korea Republic, finalist Saudi Arabia and eventual champions Uzbekistan as well as host nation for the next five editions, Qatar – will look to capture a second title for the Continent in the 20th iteration of the global showpiece.

Shaikh Salman backs world-class Asian teams to shine again

Tue, 14 Oct, 2025

Shaikh Salman backs world-class Asian teams to shine again

Kuala Lumpur: With three former Asian world champions—including the current title-holders—set to compete for glory at the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup Morocco 2025, Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President has outlined his confidence in Asia’s rising stars to create more history in Rabat.

Scheduled to take place from October 17 to November 8, the global showpiece enters a new era with an expanded 24-team format for the first time with DPR Korea looking to clinch a record-extending fourth title, and Japan and Korea Republic eyeing a second crown whilst China PR aim to create history with their first.

AFC President extends condolences following Philippines earthquake

Thu, 02 Oct, 2025

AFC President extends condolences following Philippines earthquake

Kuala Lumpur: Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa has expressed his deepest condolences and sympathies in the wake of the devastating earthquake that struck the central Philippines late Tuesday.

Shaikh Salman said: "I am deeply saddened by the tragic earthquake that has claimed so many lives and caused injuries in Cebu. On behalf of the entire Asian football family, I wish to convey my sincere condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones and extend my deepest sympathies to all those affected.

Shaikh Salman reinforces confidence in Asian contenders

Tue, 23 Sep, 2025

Shaikh Salman reinforces confidence in Asian contenders

Kuala Lumpur: Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa has underlined his faith in Australia, Saudi Arabia, Japan and Korea Republic to shine as the attention shifts towards the FIFA U-20 World Cup Chile 2025, which kicks off on Saturday.

The four AFC representatives will aim to surpass the Continent’s best second-place performances in 1981 (Qatar), 1999 (Japan) and 2019 (Korea Republic) at the global youth showpiece, which has paved the way for some of Asia’s finest talents to break through, including reigning AFC Player of the Year Akram Afif and 2019 Golden Ball winner Lee Kang-in.

AFC President congratulates SAFF on completion of historic football heritage project

Tue, 26 Aug, 2025

AFC President congratulates SAFF on completion of historic football heritage project

Kuala Lumpur: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa has congratulated the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) on the successful completion of its landmark Saudi Football History Project, a first-of-its-kind initiative aimed at preserving and promoting the Kingdom’s rich football legacy.

Launched more than a year ago, the project was designed to safeguard the history of Saudi football by documenting the achievements of national teams, clubs, referees, officials, and milestone events hosted in the Kingdom. The comprehensive study was guided by a transparent and scientific methodology, under the leadership of the SAFF General Assembly and supported by a dedicated task force of Saudi historians alongside international experts.

Shaikh Salman mourns tragic deaths of Palestinian players

Sun, 10 Aug, 2025

Shaikh Salman mourns tragic deaths of Palestinian players

Kuala Lumpur: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa has extended his deepest condolences on the tragic deaths of Palestinian footballers Sulaiman Al Obaid, Mahmoud Rafi Shahin, Moaz Al Hawajri and Nasrallah Al Maqataah in the ongoing Israeli war on Gaza.

Sulaiman Al Obaid, a former Palestinian international forward and Khadamat Al Shate’ Club player, earned 24 caps for his country and scored over 100 goals at club level. He was widely respected for his skill, leadership, and dedication to the game. Mahmoud Rafi Shahin (Al Tuffah Club), Moaz Al Hawajri (Al Nuseirat Services Club), and Nasrallah Al Maqataah (Ittihad Deir Al Balah Club) were also recognised for their contributions to Palestinian football and represented their teams with distinction.