Monday 17 October 2022, 10:30

FIFA President attends AFC Executive Committee in Kuala Lumpur

  • Qatar chosen to host AFC Asian Cup 2023 as AFC President praises world class infrastructure

  • India and Saudi Arabia on the shortlist to host the tournament in 2027

  • AFC President reiterates Asian support for Gianni Infantino’s re-election as FIFA President

Qatar has been awarded the hosting rights of the AFC Asian Cup 2023 by the AFC Executive Committee, with the infrastructure built for the FIFA World Cup 2022™ playing a big part in the Gulf State’s successful bid. Qatar, the reigning champions, previously staged the tournament in 1988 and 2011. The AFC President Shaikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa has also reiterated his federation’s support for Gianni Infantino’s re-election to the position of FIFA President next year. Sheikh Salman, speaking at the AFC Executive Committee in Kuala Lumpur, also thanked Gianni Infantino for the unstinted support which he has offered to the Asian football community. The AFC President, who is a FIFA Vice-President, congratulated Qatar on winning the right to stage the AFC Asian Cup.

AFC President HE Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, FIFA President Gianni Infantino and Qatar Football Association President Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Bin Ahmed al-Thani announce Qatar Football Association as the hosts for the AFC Asian Cup 2023

“Qatar’s capabilities and track record in hosting major international sporting events and their meticulous attention to detail are well admired throughout the globe,” he said. “Given the short lead time in preparation, we know that the hard work begins immediately but with their existing world-class infrastructure and unrivalled hosting capabilities, we are confident that Qatar will stage a worthy spectacle befitting the prestige and stature of Asia’s crown jewel.” The AFC shortlisted the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) as the final two bidders to host the AFC Asian Cup 2027, with the decision to be made at the AFC Congress in February 2023. Shaikh Salman expressed his gratitude for the overwhelming response he has received for his candidacy for re-election to the position of the AFC President. “The rapid development of Asian football would not have been possible without your support and unity of purpose so clearly demonstrated time and again,” he said.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino and AFC President HE Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa during the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Executive Committee

Gianni Infantino, who attended the meeting, previously received wholehearted support for his candidacy during the AFC Congress in May. Last week, he received unanimous support for his re-election at a CONMEBOL meeting in Asuncion.

“I am very grateful to the AFC and to Shaikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa for his unwavering support,” said the FIFA President. “This is a recognition of the work that FIFA has done to help develop men’s and women’s football in Asia, a region with huge potential in football terms.” “My commitment is to continue working with you to make football truly global and raise the standard of international football in Asia and around the world.” The election will take place at the 73rd annual FIFA Congress in Kigali, Rwanda, on 16 March 2023.