AFC President's address to the 27th AFC Congress 2017

"Friends, colleagues

It seems only yesterday that we gathered here in Bahrain for our last AFC Congress but much has happened in the last two years.

There have been great changes – we have a new FIFA President, Mr Gianni Infantino. Mr President - it is an honour to have you with us today.

There have been reforms throughout the football world and particularly at FIFA but we all recognise that this was the beginning – not the finished product.

I am proud that Asia voted so positively last February in support of that reform process which will help to start to rebuild the game’s battered image.

Asia stood as one that day - and has remained united ever since.

I am also proud of the role that the AFC has played in these difficult times – showing a unity and solidarity that has benefited the game in our great continent.

The AFC’s leadership has been acknowledged throughout the world and we are ready to continue in that role not only with our Members but also our sister Confederations.

Today we elect four members to the FIFA Council – one of which will be our female representative.

As I said when the AFC ExCo met in Kuala Lumpur in February this year– all of those standing for election are colleagues who sit around the AFC Executive Committee table working for the greater good of the game.

Each day they look to make a positive impact on the game in Asia and after this election they will return to those important roles.

In elections, there are winners and losers – just like in football – but we must stay focussed on the fact that after this congress our common goal is to hand the game to future generations in a stronger state.

And in Asia there is no doubt that our unity and solidarity has helped us achieve so much. I stand before you today and feel proud of the progress that this Confederation has made in the last two years.

Our financial position is better than ever allowing us to lay the ground work for a strong and sustainable future for this organisation.

Our competitions have grown in prestige – and thanks to the increased prize money the AFC Champions League is confirmed as one of the leading club competitions in the world.

The AFC Champions League and AFC Cup continue to excite and engage with fans across not only Asia, but now the world.

None of this would have been possible without the support of you, our Member Associations, and we are committed to helping you all grow ever stronger though supplying tailor made projects in the years to come.

I have been proud of the impact of the President’s Initiatives with so many of you being supported by the various programmes that we have been running.

Member Association development is our priority – you are our priority. Your support, your continued unity and determination to improve is vital to the future of the game in Asia.

Strong Member Associations make a strong Confederation.

But today, we stand united with Palestine.

The AFC family strongly urges FlFA and the FlFA Monitoring Committee lsrael-Palestine to come up with the best solution as soon as possible, by applying the relevant FlFA Statutes and rules to resolve these longstanding issues. . I am sure the FIFA President share this feeling with us as well. This matter has dragged too long

As you know our Vision and Mission sets out clear goals.

Some may say they are ambitious but those high targets are a clear indication of our determination to succeed.

We often say that Asia is the world’s biggest football stadium and it has the potential of the world’s biggest football crowd.

Now the AFC’s aim is to unlock that potential, to excite that crowd and to fill that stadium.

We want to achieve all that hand in hand with each and every one of you.

When the AFC launched the Vision and Mission in Doha last year, I said that this was Asia’s time. Never has this been more obvious than now.

FIFA’s confidence in Asia is shining brightly.

In a few days, the FIFA U-20 World Cup will kick off in Korea Republic, then later in the year India will host the FIFA U-17 World Cup.

In December the FIFA Club World Cup will return to the United Arab Emirates, and finally, in 2022 of course there is the crowning glory of a FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

Ladies and gentlemen, we should be proud that FIFA – and the IOC who have three Olympic Games in the next five years – have shown such faith in Asia.

It is of course no coincidence

Asia has taken centre stage. This is a golden time for sport in this continent.

But now we turn to the business of today – a giant step for FIFA and the AFC.

I thank all the candidates who have put their name forward to stand in the elections and wish them the best of luck.

I thank them for the spirit in which the election has been conducted- which is a credit to them all.

Again I thank you for your dedication and commitment to stand united under the banner of One Asia, One Goal.

Thank you."

Photo: AFC