Kuala Lumpur: Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, President of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and First Vice-President of FIFA, conducted meetings with numerous presidents and representatives of national football associations during the 35th AFC Congress in Malaysia.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the meetings included discussions with prominent figures such as His Royal Highness Prince Ali bin Al Hussein of the Jordan Football Association, Sheikh Ahmad Al Yousif Al Sabah from the Kuwait Football Association, and Hachem Haidar of the Lebanon Football Association, among others. These interactions underscored the importance of collaborative efforts between the AFC and national associations to drive the development of football across Asia.
Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim emphasized the significance of continuous dialogue within the Asian football community as a means to foster effective cooperation. He outlined the AFC's future plans, stressing that national associations remain pivotal to all development initiatives. The focus on partnership aims at achieving objectives at multiple levels, ensuring progress and advancement in the sport.
Reforms remain a key agenda, with Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim noting that recent achievements mark only the beginning of a journey aimed at the future of football, placing Asian football's interests as a top priority. He also expressed commitment to supporting national associations in expanding participation, building competitive teams, and enhancing both technical and administrative capabilities.
The national football association leaders expressed gratitude towards Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim for his support. They praised his dedication to maintaining open lines of communication with the Asian football community and addressing the significant challenges faced by associations throughout the region.