FIFA President Gianni Infantino has highlighted Bahrain’s involvement in supporting Asian football’s development during a meeting with His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bahrain.

“I appreciate the opportunity to discuss football’s development in Bahrain with His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, not only in relation to the achievements made locally, but also the role that Bahrain has made for supporting the progress of football in Asia, thanks to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa’s unconditional support,” the FIFA President said.

The meeting, which was held at Riffa Palace, was also attended by AFC President and FIFA Senior Vice-President, Shaikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa, whose role in successfully leading the Asian football community and resuming football activities throughout the continent in these challenging times was widely recognised.

His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa welcomed the FIFA President’s visit to the Kingdom of Bahrain, and emphasised the importance of strengthening cooperation and coordination with international sporting organisations to further enhance Bahrain’s sporting potential and reputation. The unwavering support of His Majesty the King in advancing Bahrain’s sports and youth sectors, which has delivered many achievements across different sporting arenas, was also highlighted.

FIFA’s role in the further development of football across the Asian continent was also emphasised during the meeting, as was the constructive cooperation between Bahrain’s sports authorities and FIFA which has strengthened local football sporting activities.

The FIFA President and the AFC President also had the opportunity to meet with His Highness Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Chairman of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports and President of the Bahrain Olympic Committee.

"Over and above the warm welcome we have received, I am impressed by His Highness Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa’s eagerness to develop sport in Bahrain, and football in particular,” said the FIFA President.

His Highness Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa recognised FIFA’s continued efforts in supporting football in Bahrain from an organisational, administrative and technical perspective, while also praising the great cooperation between Bahrain and FIFA in creating the ideal conditions to further develop football in the kingdom.