Qatar challenges AFC leadership amid FIFA presidency tensions

Tensions are rising within Asian football regarding the leadership of FIFA President Gianni Infantino. Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, President of the Qatar Football Association and an AFC Executive Committee member, has challenged the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) over a recent collective statement. Al Thani argued that the Qatari FA was not consulted before the AFC issued a statement purportedly representing its 47 members.

Amidst this internal friction, six Arab football federations—including Qatar, Egypt, Morocco, Lebanon, Sudan, and Mauritania—have issued a joint statement expressing full support for Infantino. The group reaffirmed their confidence in his leadership and his efforts to develop football globally. This support comes as Infantino faces significant pressure and calls for resignation from UEFA and CONCACAF following a failed proposal to introduce private investment into FIFA tournaments, such as the World Cup.