THE PRESIDENT - LATEST NEWS

AFC President extends deepest condolences on passing of former Qatar Emir HH Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani

Sun, 12 Jul, 2026

AFC President extends deepest condolences on passing of former Qatar Emir HH Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani

Kuala Lumpur: Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa has expressed his profound sorrow and deepest condolences to the Qatar royal family, the Qatar Football Association, and the people of Qatar following the demise of the former Emir, His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, who passed away at the age of 74.

The AFC President paid rich tribute to the monumental legacy of Sheikh Hamad, hailing him as a visionary leader and the true architect of modern Qatar, whose immense love for football and sport transformed the sporting landscape of Qatar and Asia.

AFC President hails dynamic duo, urges focus on long-term growth

Sun, 28 Jun, 2026

AFC President hails dynamic duo, urges focus on long-term growth

Kuala Lumpur: The President of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, has extended his warmest congratulations to Asia’s standout duo—Japan and Australia—following their qualification for the Round of 32 at the FIFA World Cup 2026.

By navigating through the Group Stage of the newly expanded 48-team format, the pair’s advancement ensures that the AFC equalled its historical best of two teams reaching the knockout rounds on foreign soil, matching the milestone originally set at South Africa 2010.

Shaikh Salman: The foundation for Asian success on the global stage is stronger than ever

Tue, 09 Jun, 2026

Shaikh Salman: The foundation for Asian success on the global stage is stronger than ever

Kuala Lumpur: As the global football spotlight shifts to North America for the FIFA World Cup 2026, Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa has delivered a definitive message of solidarity and support to the AFC’s representatives who stand on the precipice of football history.

The landmark 2026 edition introduces an unprecedented 48-team format, paving the way for Asia’s largest and most formidable delegation to take to the field. Leading this historic charge is a distinguished blend of established giants and maiden campaigners, with debutants Jordan and Uzbekistan carrying the unified pride of billions alongside Australia, the Islamic Republic of Iran, Iraq, Japan, Korea Republic, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia.

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.

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.

Shaikh Salman pays tribute to Kuwait SC’s historic success

Thu, 14 May, 2026

Shaikh Salman pays tribute to Kuwait SC’s historic success

Kuala Lumpur: Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa has extended his heartfelt congratulations to Kuwait SC for capturing the AFC Challenge League 2025/26™ title after the West Asians overturned the deficit twice to defeat Preah Khan Reach Svay Rieng FC 4-3 in front of 44,000 roaring fans at the Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium in Ardiya, Kuwait on Wednesday.

Building on their proud legacy, Kuwait SC’s triumph marks a historic return to the pinnacle of the Continental podium for an impressive fourth time, adding the prestigious AFC Challenge League™ trophy to their illustrious haul of three AFC Cup™ crowns from 2009, 2012, and 2013.

AFC President pledges continued support to Syrian FA

Thu, 30 Apr, 2026

AFC President pledges continued support to Syrian FA

Vancouver: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President, Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa held a productive meeting with Syrian Football Association (SFA) President Feras Teet on Wednesday, where the pair discussed the strategic road map intended to strengthen the development of football in the nation.

Held a day after the 36th AFC Congress 2026 and on the eve of the 76th FIFA Congress in Canada, Shaikh Salman congratulated SFA President Feras Teet on his election to the high-level position in November last year and wished him every success in the new role.

Shaikh Salman commends transformation of Chinese football

Thu, 30 Apr, 2026

Shaikh Salman commends transformation of Chinese football

Vancouver: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President, Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, met with Chinese Football Association (CFA) President Song Kai on Wednesday, where he personally commended the significant progress of Chinese football in recent years.

During the high-level meeting in Canada, held on the sidelines of major global football governance events, the AFC President noted the clear positive shift in China PR’s strategic direction since CFA President Song Kai took office in October 2023 and praised his commitment to a youth-first policy and long-term sustainability.