AFC President applauds Yemen on securing final spot for AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™

Fri, 05 Jun, 2026

AFC President applauds Yemen on securing final spot for AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™

Kuala Lumpur: The President of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, has extended his heartfelt congratulations to Yemen on becoming the 24th and final team to book their place at the prestigious AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™.

Yemen delivered a stunning 2-0 triumph at Doha's Grand Hamad Stadium on Thursday to finish as Group B leaders. The triumph marks a spectacular return to the Continent’s biggest stage for the first time since 2019, placing the West Asians into a competitive Group E that features Korea Republic, the United Arab Emirates, and Vietnam.

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Shaikh Salman: Naegohyang Women’s FC's title quest underscores the rising prestige of #AWCL

Sat, 23 May, 2026

Shaikh Salman: Naegohyang Women’s FC's title quest underscores the rising prestige of #AWCL

Kuala Lumpur: Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa has praised Naegohyang Women’s FC on their landmark achievement after the DPR Korea club secured the AFC Women’s Champions League 2025/26™ title with a 1-0 victory over Tokyo Verdy Beleza in the Final at the Suwon Sports Complex in Korea Republic on Saturday.

The AFC President highlighted the maiden champions’ clinical performance throughout the tournament, which culminated in them lifting the trophy as only the second-ever winners of Asia’s premier women's club competition whilst also extending his commendations to the runners-up for their valiant display in reaching their first ever Final.

AFC President: Japan’s fifth #AFCU17 title a ‘definitive blueprint’ for success

Sat, 23 May, 2026

AFC President: Japan’s fifth #AFCU17 title a ‘definitive blueprint’ for success

Kuala Lumpur: Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa has hailed Japan’s unprecedented dominance after the young Samurai Blue secured a record-extending fifth AFC U17 Asian Cup™ title.

A hard-fought 3-2 victory over China PR in Friday’s final in Jeddah saw the East Asian giants add to their storied legacy of 1994, 2006, 2018, and 2023, further cementing their status as the Continent’s premier youth powerhouse.

AFC President's message on AFC Grassroots Football Day 2026

Fri, 22 May, 2026

AFC President's message on AFC Grassroots Football Day 2026

Tomorrow, we will mark the 13th edition of the AFC Grassroots Football Day, and once again, I am filled with gratitude towards our Member Associations (MAs) and Regional Associations (RAs) for the incredible commitment they have demonstrated in expanding the reach of football across the length and breadth of Asia.

Time and again, this annual celebration has reminded us that the true spirit of the beautiful game lies not only in its elite competitions, but also in the countless communities where it is played, shared and passed on every day.

Shaikh Salman honours five-star DPR Korea on record victory

Mon, 18 May, 2026

Shaikh Salman honours five-star DPR Korea on record victory

Kuala Lumpur: Following the thrilling conclusion of the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup China 2026™, Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President, has extended his warmest congratulations to DPR Korea for securing an unprecedented fifth continental crown after defeating rivals Japan 5-1 at the Suzhou Sports Centre Stadium.

Prior to Sunday’s Final, both teams stood deadlocked as the joint-most decorated nations with each holding four titles. With this monumental victory, DPR Korea retained the coveted silverware to stand tall as the most celebrated team in the competition's history.

Gamba Osaka’s historic triumph draws high praise from AFC President

Sun, 17 May, 2026

Gamba Osaka’s historic triumph draws high praise from AFC President

Kuala Lumpur: Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa has extended his warmest congratulations to Gamba Osaka following their 1-0 victory over Al Nassr Club in the AFC Champions League Two 2025/26™ Final at the King Saud University Stadium in Riyadh on Saturday.

Defying an intense atmospheric challenge away from home, the landmark victory marks Gamba’s first major continental trophy since their famous 2008 AFC Champions League™ campaign. With this triumph, the Japanese side wrote an unprecedented chapter by becoming the first club in the East region to capture both the top-tier and second-tier titles in AFC club football.