Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
AFC President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa has today released a statement, the text of which can be found here in full.
“In this time of uncertainty surrounding football’s world governing body FIFA it is clear that what is needed, more urgently than ever, is a firm hand to run the world body competently and with a determination to conduct its affairs professionally and with maximum transparency.
Speculation is rife as to who will succeed the outgoing President at the elective extraordinary Congress in February 2016. Even before the official cut-off date of October 26, 2015 there is speculation about the likely roster of candidates and more and more names appear on an imaginary ballot paper.
I have noted recent media speculation that my name has been suggested by others but, while I would like to thank them for their trust and confidence in my leadership, the thought of being a candidate in 2016 had not crossed my mind.
As the elected President of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) for the next four years, my priority is not only to represent our Confederation but also as a FIFA Vice President to protect FIFA and world football.
My obligations today are primarily to Asia, and we have lots of work ahead to further strengthen and streamline our Confederation. This is a major endeavour as we seek to reorganize and strengthen the AFC.”