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.

Shaikh Salman extends condolences on passing of Kunishige Kamamoto

Sun, 10 Aug, 2025

Shaikh Salman extends condolences on passing of Kunishige Kamamoto

Kuala Lumpur: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa has extended his deepest condolences on the passing of Japanese football legend Kunishige Kamamoto.

The former forward, who passed away on Sunday at the age of 81, is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of Japanese football, holding the record as the nation’s all-time leading goalscorer with an impressive 75 goals in 76 appearances.

Shaikh Salman applauds resounding success of FIFA Club World Cup

Mon, 14 Jul, 2025

Shaikh Salman applauds resounding success of FIFA Club World Cup

Kuala Lumpur: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa has congratulated FIFA President Gianni Infantino on the successful conclusion of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, which was staged for the first time in an expanded 32-team format across 12 cities in the United States.

The month-long tournament, which concluded on Sunday, drew nearly 2.5 million spectators, delivered 63 matches, 195 goals, and an average attendance of over 40,000 per game — underscoring its growing stature as a premier global club competition. Chelsea FC defeated Paris Saint-Germain 3-0 at the Metlife Stadium to lift the brand-new trophy.

AFC President extends condolences on passing of Ms Tababa

Tue, 08 Jul, 2025

AFC President extends condolences on passing of Ms Tababa

Kuala Lumpur: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa has extended his deepest condolences on the passing of AFC Women's Football Committee member Ms Lovely Gladys Mae P Tababa.

A member of the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) Executive Committee, she also served as the Head of the PFF Competitions Committee.

Shaikh Salman backs Asian teams to excel in the United States

Thu, 05 Jun, 2025

Shaikh Salman backs Asian teams to excel in the United States

Kuala Lumpur: As the world turns its attention to the inaugural expanded 32-team FIFA Club World Cup 2025, Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa has expressed confidence in the potential of Asia's four participating teams to deliver exceptional performances ahead of the tournament, which kicks off on Saturday, June 14.

Set to feature some of the Continent’s most successful clubs – Al Ain FC from the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal SFC, Ulsan HD from the Korea Republic and Japan’s Urawa Red Diamonds – a total of 63 matches will be played across 12 venues in 11 host cities in the United States, with the Final culminating at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 13.

Shaikh Salman congratulates Asian history-makers

Wed, 11 Jun, 2025

Shaikh Salman congratulates Asian history-makers

Kuala Lumpur: Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President, has congratulated the six Asian sides for clinching their places in the expanded 48-team FIFA World Cup 2026 following the conclusion of Matchday 10 of the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26 on Tuesday.

Jordan and Uzbekistan created history on Matchday 9 by sealing their first-ever spots at the global showpiece with the Korea Republic also sealing an unprecedented 11th consecutive FIFA World Cup appearance, whilst Australia booked their tickets on the final matchday after defeating Saudi Arabia 2-1 at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah.