Asian Football Rift Deepens as AFC Chief Defends Challenge to Infantino

By Dorcas Francis Koji

A growing split within Asian football has intensified after Asian Football Confederation (AFC) president Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim al-Khalifa defended the body’s decision to join UEFA and CONCACAF in criticising FIFA president Gianni Infantino.

The dispute escalated on Tuesday following a challenge from the Qatar Football Association (QFA), which questioned whether the AFC had the authority to speak on behalf of its member associations in a joint statement targeting Infantino.

The FIFA president has faced mounting criticism since unveiling and subsequently withdrawing a controversial proposal to introduce private investment into FIFA competitions, including the World Cup.

The plan, which involved selling stakes in a company linked to the commercial and ticketing rights of FIFA competitions, was abandoned within days after attracting strong opposition from several football bodies.

Criticism intensified last week when the AFC, UEFA and CONCACAF issued a joint statement declaring that “football belongs to no individual”, in an apparent reference to Infantino’s leadership.

The three confederations have continued to oppose the FIFA president over the failed investment proposal, with his critics calling for him to step down.

However, reports recently emerged that QFA president Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani had written to the AFC questioning its involvement in the joint statement.

Al-Thani reportedly said neither he nor the QFA had been consulted before the statement was issued and demanded an explanation over why no consultation took place.

He also questioned the basis on which the AFC could speak on behalf of its 47 member associations, including Qatar.

Sheikh Salman has now rejected suggestions that he exceeded his authority, insisting that his actions were consistent with the AFC’s constitution.

“I categorically reject any suggestion that my participation in the joint statement exceeded my authority or that the AFC erred in participating in it,” the Bahraini official said in a letter seen by AFP.

He maintained that the AFC has a responsibility to protect the interests and principles of football across the continent.

“The AFC is the custodian of football in Asia, and its president has a responsibility to protect the interests and values of the sport,” Sheikh Salman said.

“In circumstances such as those giving rise to the joint statement, it would be inconsistent with that responsibility to remain silent.”

The disagreement highlights a widening divide within Asian football at a time when Infantino is facing growing scrutiny over his leadership and the proposed restructuring of FIFA’s commercial operations.

The AFC, UEFA and CONCACAF have been among the most vocal opponents of the abandoned investment plan and have continued to question FIFA’s direction even after the proposal was shelved.

In their joint statement last week, the three confederations accused FIFA’s leadership of creating “silence where there should be accountability” and “distance where there should be openness.”

Despite the criticism, Infantino has shown no indication that he intends to step aside.

The FIFA president received the “full support” of senior FIFA directors during an emergency meeting he convened in Morocco two weeks ago, reinforcing his position despite the growing opposition from several major football authorities.

The latest dispute between the AFC and Qatar could further complicate the increasingly contentious debate over FIFA leadership and the future direction of world football.