THE PRESIDENT - LATEST NEWS

AFC President honours the contributions of Asian football champion Saoud Al-Mohannadi

Tue, 10 Jan, 2023

AFC President honours the contributions of Asian football champion Saoud Al-Mohannadi

Kuala Lumpur: Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa has joined the Asian football family in expressing his deepest condolences on the passing of AFC Vice President and FIFA Council member Saoud A. Aziz M A Al-Mohannadi. 

A lifelong servant of the beautiful game in Asia and across the globe, Al-Mohannadi was instrumental to the growth and progress of the AFC’s competitions. Most notably, he played an indispensable role in transforming the Confederation’s most prestigious men’s tournament – the AFC Asian Cup™. 

AFC President pays glowing tribute to instrumental Pelé

Fri, 30 Dec, 2022

AFC President pays glowing tribute to instrumental Pelé

Kuala Lumpur: Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa has joined the global sporting family in grieving the loss of one of the beautiful game’s most iconic figures – Edson Arantes do Nascimento – who passed away on Thursday at the age of 82.

Affectionately known as Pelé, the legendary Brazilian inspired the Seleção to victory in the 1958 World Cup, scoring in the Final in a 5-2 win over hosts Sweden and finished the competition with six goals.

AFC President hails Qatar on staging historic global showpiece

Mon, 19 Dec, 2022

AFC President hails Qatar on staging historic global showpiece

Doha: As the grandest sporting spectacle drew to a close on Sunday, Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa hailed the remarkable hosting capabilities of Qatar in staging one of the most memorable football showpieces in recent history.

Shaikh Salman conveyed his congratulations to eventual winners Argentina and underlined his gratitude to the Qatar Football Association, Qatar’s Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy and the Qatari Authorities as well as FIFA.

AFC President urges Asian history makers to continue strong momentum

Sat, 03 Dec, 2022

AFC President urges Asian history makers to continue strong momentum

Kuala Lumpur: Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa has sent his best wishes to Australia, Japan and Korea Republic as a record three Asian sides prepare to battle in the Round of 16 stage for the first time in FIFA World Cup history.

The Socceroos will face two-time winners Argentina at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium later today while the Samurai Blue prepare to battle 2018 runners-up Croatia at the Al Janoub Stadium on Monday with the Taeguk Warriors setting their sights on five-time winners Brazil at Stadium 974 on the same day.

AFC President lauds Korea Republic as Asian teams clinch historic third Round of 16 berth

Sat, 03 Dec, 2022

AFC President lauds Korea Republic as Asian teams clinch historic third Round of 16 berth

Kuala Lumpur: Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President has hailed Korea Republic for clinching their place in the Round of 16 stage after the Taeguk Warriors earned an emphatic 2-1 stoppage time victory over Portugal at the Education City Stadium on Friday.

Paulo Bento’s charges finished as runners-up in Group H and will join Australia and Japan in the last 16 where for the first time in history, the Continent will be represented by three teams, surpassing the achievements in the 2002 and 2010 editions, which featured two Asian sides. 

AFC President praises Japan on sealing knockout berth

Fri, 02 Dec, 2022

AFC President praises Japan on sealing knockout berth

Kuala Lumpur: Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa has congratulated Japan on progressing to the Round of 16 stage after the Samurai Blue produced a stunning 2-1 victory over heavyweights Spain at the Khalifa International Stadium on Thursday to finish as leaders of Group E.

The East Asians had earlier produced a similarly famous come from behind 2-1 triumph over powerhouses Germany in their Group E opener. The Continent’s giant killers showed nerves of steel to seal their fourth Round of 16 stage appearance – a feat unmatched by any other Asian side.

Shaikh Salman hails Australia for securing Round of 16 spot

Thu, 01 Dec, 2022

Shaikh Salman hails Australia for securing Round of 16 spot

Kuala Lumpur: Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President has lauded Australia on clinching their Round of 16 berth after defeating Denmark 1-0 at the Al Janoub Stadium on Wednesday.

The Socceroos showed remarkable resilience to brush aside their opening defeat to defending champions France before edging past Tunisia and victory over their European opponents on Wednesday meant the Socceroos finished in second place in Group C behind leaders Les Bleus on goal difference.

AFC President praises Japan’s remarkable victory over Germany

Wed, 23 Nov, 2022

AFC President praises Japan’s remarkable victory over Germany

Kuala Lumpur: Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa has applauded Japan on registering a famous opening 2-1 victory over Group E rivals Germany at the Khalifa International Stadium on Wednesday.

The Samurai Blue showcased remarkable grit as they came from a goal down to stun four-time winners Germany in their first ever victory over their European opponents at the FIFA World Cup.

AFC President congratulates Saudi Arabia on stunning opening win

Tue, 22 Nov, 2022

AFC President congratulates Saudi Arabia on stunning opening win

Kuala Lumpur: Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa has congratulated Saudi Arabia after the Green Falcons produced one of the biggest upsets of FIFA World Cup history when they defeated Argentina 2-1 to open their Group C campaign in convincing fashion on Tuesday.

Goals from Saleh Al Shehri and Salem Dawsari sealed a come-from-behind 2-1 victory after Lionel Messi had put the South American champions in front inside 10 minutes at the Lusail Iconic Stadium.

Shaikh Salman sends best wishes to Asian teams and officials ahead of Qatar 2022

Tue, 15 Nov, 2022

Shaikh Salman sends best wishes to Asian teams and officials ahead of Qatar 2022

Kuala Lumpur: With the focus of world football firmly set on Qatar, Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa has sent his best wishes to Asia’s teams and match officials ahead of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. 

In another clear sign of Asia’s remarkable progress, a record six teams from the Continent as well as the largest ever ensemble of 19 AFC match officials will be looking to stand proud amongst the world’s best at the global showpiece from November 20 to December 18.

AFC President calls on global football family to unite behind FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022

Sat, 05 Nov, 2022

AFC President calls on global football family to unite behind FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022

Kuala Lumpur: With just more than two weeks remaining until the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar, Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa has urged the global football family to firmly unite behind the sporting spectacle. 

The FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, which will be held from November 20 to December 18, will be only the second time an Asian country hosts the tournament, following the Korea/Japan FIFA World Cup in 2002. 

AFC President lauds Saudi football accomplishments

Fri, 28 Oct, 2022

AFC President lauds Saudi football accomplishments

Kuala Lumpur: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa today received the President of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) President Yasser Almisehal and SAFF General Secretary Ibrahim Al Kassim here in the capital of Malaysia and held fruitful talks.

Shaikh Salman began by congratulating the SAFF President on Saudi Arabia's momentous triumph in the AFC U23 Asian Cup™ 2022 in Uzbekistan, as well as their futsal team's commendable performance in the recently concluded AFC Futsal Asian Cup Kuwait 2022™. 
 
The AFC President did not miss to applaud the fact that Al Hilal SFC are the reigning AFC Champions League holders with a record-breaking fourth Continental title lifted in front of their home fans in 2021 with the Riyadh giants poised to participate in the 2022 edition's Round of 16 next year alongside fellow Saudi League clubs Al Shabab and Al Faisaly.