FIFA President Gianni Infantino expressed his gratitude for the close cooperation between the AFC and FIFA, while recognising the important steps made to help football across Asia during the coronavirus pandemic, at a meeting today of the AFC Executive Committee in Manama, Bahrain.

“I appreciate the invitation from President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa to attend the AFC Executive Committee meeting, and to have the opportunity to address the members,” the FIFA President said. “There has been an excellent and close cooperation between the AFC and FIFA in managing the many challenges that have arisen due to the coronavirus pandemic, and these efforts have supported both organisations in restarting competitions and events. Both teamwork and partnership are crucial for all of us to live in a world beyond this pandemic, and I am proud that the AFC and FIFA have been working hand-in-hand to provide support and to protect football in Asia for the long term.”

The meeting, chaired by AFC President and FIFA Senior Vice-President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, focused on the planned resumption of the Asian football calendar in 2021, for which the commitment and unity of the AFC member associations was recognised.

“It was crucial for us to show the world that Asian football is ready to return,” the AFC President said. “For the players, the teams and fans across the continent and, just as important, we must continue to demonstrate that the AFC is in the best possible position to deliver safe and world-class competitions as underlined in the AFC’s Vision.”

The AFC President also expressed his warm appreciation to the FIFA President, while thanking FIFA for its leadership and continued support to both the AFC and its member associations, especially during these challenging times.