THE PRESIDENT - LATEST NEWS

Shaikh Salman lauds history-makers DPR Korea for winning all-Asian final in Colombia

Mon, 23 Sep, 2024

Shaikh Salman lauds history-makers DPR Korea for winning all-Asian final in Colombia

Kuala Lumpur: Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President has praised DPR Korea for clinching a record-equalling third FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup title after defeating their East Asian opponents Japan 1-0 in an all-Asian spectacle at the Estadio El Campin in Bogota, Colombia, on Sunday.

The thrilling showdown was the fourth time in history where the all-important final of a FIFA women’s age-group tournament was contested between two Asian sides and a repeat of the AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup™ decider earlier this year, which saw DPR Korea come from behind to secure their second title in Uzbekistan.

Shaikh Salman: “We can expect more history from our teams in Uzbekistan”

Wed, 04 Sep, 2024

Shaikh Salman: “We can expect more history from our teams in Uzbekistan”

Kuala Lumpur: Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa has outlined his confidence in Uzbekistan ahead of the FIFA Futsal World Cup as the host nation prepares to stage its first-ever FIFA tournament in history later this week.

Uzbekistan will become the fourth AFC Member Association to host the FIFA Futsal World Cup, after Hong Kong, China (1992), Chinese Taipei (2004) and Thailand (2012) as the global showpiece takes place across the cities of Andijan, Bukhara and capital Tashkent from September 14 to October 6, 2024.

Shaikh Salman underlines belief in Asia’s young heroines in Colombia

Thu, 22 Aug, 2024

Shaikh Salman underlines belief in Asia’s young heroines in Colombia

Kuala Lumpur: Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa has outlined his confidence in Asian teams to extend the Continent’s sensational showing at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup as the focus of global football shifts to Colombia for the largest-ever edition in history from August 31 to September 22, 2024.

Australia, DPR Korea, Japan and Korea Republic will be aiming to claim a fourth coveted crown for Asia in the newly expanded 24-team format with the Continent’s sides navigating their way into the Final on six occasions in 10 editions since the inaugural Canada 2002 tournament.

Shaikh Salman sends best wishes to Paris 2024-bound Asian teams and officials

Tue, 16 Jul, 2024

Shaikh Salman sends best wishes to Paris 2024-bound Asian teams and officials

Kuala Lumpur: As Asia’s contenders set their sights on the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa has conveyed his best wishes to the Continent’s teams and match officials ahead of their quest for glory.

History makers Uzbekistan will be the first Asian side to feature when they take on Group C opponents Spain at the Parc des Princes on Wednesday, July 24. Two-time quarter-finalists at both the FIFA U-17 World Cup and the FIFA U-20 World Cup, the White Wolves will also battle Tokyo 2020 quarter-finalists Egypt on July 27 and fellow debutants the Dominican Republic on July 30.

AFC President praises Asian teams for sealing AFC Asian Qualifiers™ Round 3 and Saudi Arabia 2027 spots

Wed, 12 Jun, 2024

AFC President praises Asian teams for sealing AFC Asian Qualifiers™ Round 3 and Saudi Arabia 2027 spots

Kuala Lumpur: Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President, has congratulated the 18 Participating Teams for securing their places in Round 3 of the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ for the FIFA World Cup 2026 as well as the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™.

On a riveting showdown of qualifying action, China PR, DPR Korea, Indonesia, Kuwait and Kyrgyz Republic joined Matchday Five qualifiers’ Bahrain, Jordan, Korea Republic, Oman, Palestine and Saudi Arabia on Tuesday after Australia, Iraq, the Islamic Republic of Iran, Japan, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Uzbekistan had earlier confirmed their spots after Matchday Four in March this year.

Shaikh Salman commends Al Ain on securing #ACL 2023/24 title

Sun, 26 May, 2024

Shaikh Salman commends Al Ain on securing #ACL 2023/24 title

Kuala Lumpur: Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President, has praised Al Ain FC after the United Arab Emirates side staged a 5-1 comeback victory over Japan’s Yokohama F. Marinos to secure their second AFC Champions League™ title at the Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium on Saturday.

With Al Ain trailing 2-1 after falling in the first leg in Yokohama two weeks ago, the United Arab Emirates’ most successful club rebounded in serendipitous fashion to capture their second Continental club crown, adding to the title they won in the inaugural 2002/03 AFC Champions League™ edition as the showpiece makes way for the AFC Champions League Elite™ later this year.

Shaikh Salman extends condolences on passing of IR Iran President Ebrahim Raisi

Mon, 20 May, 2024

Shaikh Salman extends condolences on passing of IR Iran President Ebrahim Raisi

Kuala Lumpur: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa has extended his sincere condolences on the tragic and untimely demise of Islamic Republic of Iran President Ebrahim Raisi.

The sad passing of President Raisi and several other officials, including Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian, in a helicopter accident was confirmed by the Islamic Republic of Iran on Monday.

DPR Korea earns plaudits from AFC President with record #U17WAC triumph

Mon, 20 May, 2024

DPR Korea earns plaudits from AFC President with record #U17WAC triumph

Kuala Lumpur: Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President, has applauded DPR Korea for emerging as champions of the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup™ Indonesia 2024 on Sunday evening.

A 1-0 win against Japan at the Kapten I Wayan Dipta Stadium in Bali secured a record-equalling fourth crown for DPR Korea at the ninth edition of the tournament, adding to their triumphs from 2007, 2015 and 2017.

AFC President's Message on AFC Grassroots Football Day 2024

Wed, 15 May, 2024

AFC President's Message on AFC Grassroots Football Day 2024

Kuala Lumpur: As the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) continues on its quest to expand the reach of the beautiful game, I am immensely pleased to see the AFC Grassroots Football Day return for its 11th edition.

For a decade now, the annual celebration has remained a symbol of the Confederation’s unwavering support and dedication towards the enhancement and nurturing of grassroots football across our diverse Continent.

AFC President underlines strong partnership with FA Thailand

Tue, 14 May, 2024

AFC President underlines strong partnership with FA Thailand

Bangkok: Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa today met with The Football Association of Thailand (FA Thailand) President Mrs. Nualphan Lamsam and expressed his gratitude to the Thai football family for their warm hospitality ahead of the 34th AFC Congress, which will be held in the Thai capital on Thursday.

At the outset, the AFC President congratulated Mrs. Nualphan Lamsam on becoming the first female President of an AFC MA after being successfully elected earlier this year and acknowledged the meticulous attention to detail displayed by FA Thailand, which will also become the first ASEAN nation to host the 74th FIFA Congress on Friday.

AFC President applauds Philippines’ football development plans

Sat, 11 May, 2024

AFC President applauds Philippines’ football development plans

Manila: Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa has come away impressed with the new football initiatives and programmes of the Philippine Football Federation (PFF), following his visit to the capital city of Manila.

During his time in the Philippines, which concluded on Sunday, Shaikh Salman met with newly elected PFF President John Gutierrez and PFF Executive Committee members and was presented with an overview of the Federation’s upcoming plans for the sport.

AFC President applauds AFC Women's Club Championship™ 2023 winners Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies

Sat, 11 May, 2024

AFC President applauds AFC Women's Club Championship™ 2023 winners Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies

Kuala Lumpur: Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President, has congratulated Japan’s Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies after they defeated Republic’s Hyundai Steel Red Angels Women’s FC to be crowned champions of the AFC Women’s Club Championship™ 2023 on Friday evening.

The triumph capped a superb debut campaign for Urawa, who scored a tournament-most 22 times and conceded just one goal enroute to winning all four of their matches.