AFC President News

AFC President praises Sri Lanka’s efforts to elevate football

Fri, 19 Apr, 2024

AFC President praises Sri Lanka’s efforts to elevate football

Colombo: AFC President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa has hailed the commitment of the Football Federation of Sri Lanka (FFSL) towards lifting the standards of the game.

Shaikh Salman, who held fruitful discussions with FFSL President Jaswar Umar during his three-day visit to Colombo that will conclude on Sunday, praised the recent initiatives undertaken by the FFSL and also noted the progress of the Sri Lanka Men’s National Team.

AFC President meets with Royal Belgian FA President

Wed, 03 Apr, 2024

AFC President meets with Royal Belgian FA President

Manama: Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President His Excellency (H.E.) Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa met with Ms. Pascale Van Damme, President of the Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) on Tuesday during her visit to the Kingdom of Bahrain.

During the meeting, which was also attended by H.E. Shaikh Ali bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, President of the Bahrain Football Association, H.E. Shaikh Salman welcomed Ms. Van Damme, praising the distinguished position that Belgian football occupies on the global arena.

Shaikh Salman lauds DPR Korea on sealing second AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup™ crown

Sun, 17 Mar, 2024

Shaikh Salman lauds DPR Korea on sealing second AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup™ crown

Kuala Lumpur: Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President, has hailed DPR Korea for securing their second AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup™ title after defeating Japan 2-1 in a captivating final at the JAR Stadium in Tashkent, Uzbekistan on Saturday.

Both DPR Korea and Japan, as well as third-place finishers Australia and fourth-placed Korea Republic will represent the Continent at the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup Colombia 2024 to be held in Cali, Medellin and capital Bogota from August 31 to September 22 later this year.

AFC President congratulates Al Hilal on setting new world record

Wed, 13 Mar, 2024

AFC President congratulates Al Hilal on setting new world record

Kuala Lumpur: Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa has lauded Al Hilal SFC on breaking the world record for most consecutive wins by a top-flight team on Tuesday. 

The Saudi Arabian side clinched their 28th straight win when they defeated rivals Al Ittihad 2-0 in the second leg of the AFC Champions League™ 2023/24 Quarter-finals at the King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah. 

AFC President expresses condolences over tragic death of Palestinian forward Barakat

Tue, 12 Mar, 2024

AFC President expresses condolences over tragic death of Palestinian forward Barakat

Kuala Lumpur: Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa has expressed his deepest condolences on the tragic demise of former Palestine national team player Mohammed Barakat.

According to reports received, the 39-year-old forward, who also played for local league club Ahly Gaza, was killed when his house in Khan Younis was attacked and bombed on Monday.

AFC President's message on AFC Women's Football Day 2024

Fri, 08 Mar, 2024

AFC President's message on AFC Women's Football Day 2024

Kuala Lumpur: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC)’s determined efforts to uplift and support the women’s game will reach a significant milestone this year when the Confederation’s Member Associations (MAs) and Regional Associations (RAs) celebrate the 10th edition of the AFC Women’s Football Day. 

It was nine years ago that the AFC scripted a new chapter in its rich history as the first Confederation in world football to establish the AFC Women’s Football Day to purposefully commemorate and celebrate the remarkable contributions that the women of Asian football have made to the beautiful game.

Shaikh Salman congratulates Asian heroines on sealing Paris 2024 Olympic berths

Thu, 29 Feb, 2024

Shaikh Salman congratulates Asian heroines on sealing Paris 2024 Olympic berths

Kuala Lumpur: Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President, has applauded Australia and Japan for clinching the Continent’s two spots at the Paris 2024 Olympics after the conclusion of the two-legged AFC Women's Olympic Qualifying Tournament - Asian Qualifiers Round 3 on Wednesday.

The Matildas defeated Uzbekistan 13-0 on aggregate after rallying past their Central Asian opponents 10-0 in the second leg at the Docklands Stadium in Melbourne on Wednesday, while Japan edged DPR Korea 2-1 at the Japan National Stadium in Tokyo to secure their sixth Olympic Games qualification after both sides had battled to a goalless draw in the first leg.

AFC President congratulates Asian teams and match officials at FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup UAE 2024

Tue, 27 Feb, 2024

AFC President congratulates Asian teams and match officials at FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup UAE 2024

Kuala Lumpur: Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa has congratulated the Islamic Republic of Iran for finishing third at the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup UAE 2024 Dubai, whilst also commending the performances of Asian teams and match officials as Oman’s Turki Abdullah Said Al Salehi was appointed second referee in the Final between eventual winners Brazil and Italy on Sunday.

Following their 6-1 victory over Belarus in the third-place play-off, IR Iran sealed their second consecutive bronze medal finish in tournaments they've been involved in, after their Bahamas 2017 exploits. 

AFC President extends condolences on tragic loss of Palestinian referee and family

Wed, 21 Feb, 2024

AFC President extends condolences on tragic loss of Palestinian referee and family

Kuala Lumpur: Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa has conveyed his profound sorrow and shock upon receiving the news of the tragic and untimely demise of Palestinian FIFA International Assistant Referee Mohammed Khattab, his wife, their four children, and other family members.

According to information received, Khattab and his family died in an Israeli assault on the Gaza neighbourhood of Deir Al Balah.

Shaikh Salman sends best wishes to Asia’s beach soccer contenders

Thu, 15 Feb, 2024

Shaikh Salman sends best wishes to Asia’s beach soccer contenders

Kuala Lumpur: Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa has sent his best wishes to Asia’s representatives – the Islamic Republic of Iran, Japan, Oman and hosts United Arab Emirates – at the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup as the Continent prepares to stage the competition for only the second time in history from February 15 to 25, 2024.

Shaikh Salman said: “On behalf of the Asian football family, I would like to wish our four representatives, the Islamic Republic of Iran, Japan, Oman as well as our host the United Arab Emirates the very best of success at the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup.”

AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ our crowning moment: Shaikh Salman

Sun, 11 Feb, 2024

AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ our crowning moment: Shaikh Salman

18th edition sets new attendance, broadcast and digital engagement records; four sides make Knockout stage debuts

Doha: Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa has congratulated Qatar on creating history as the West Asians became only the fifth team to defend their AFC Asian Cup™ crown after defeating Jordan 3-1 in a pulsating Final at the Lusail Stadium on Saturday.

Shaikh Salman hails Indonesia for clinching first-ever AFC eAsian Cup title

Tue, 06 Feb, 2024

Shaikh Salman hails Indonesia for clinching first-ever AFC eAsian Cup title

Doha: Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa congratulated Indonesia after they were crowned champions of the inaugural AFC eAsian Cup at Doha’s Virtuocity eSports Arena on Monday. 

The final day of the event commenced with Semi-final showdowns between Indonesia and Thailand, Japan and Saudi Arabia, followed by the riveting final contest between the two finalists, Indonesia and Japan, which saw more than 200,000 viewers tuning in.