Kuala Lumpur: Shaikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa, President of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and First Vice President of FIFA, emphasised the AFC's commitment to supporting its member national and regional associations, during the 35th AFC Congress, held in Malaysia.
According to Bahrain News Agency, Shaikh Salman bin Ibrahim reviewed the key aspects of the significant progress achieved since the last Congress, highlighting the increase in financial investments directed at supporting national and regional associations. This year witnessed the organisation of the best-ever edition of the AFC Asian Cup, hosted by Qatar, along with a record 16 continental competitions, compared to only 11 in 2023.
He noted that reforming club competitions for both men and women plays a vital role in achieving the AFC's strategic goals, expressing confidence that the groundwork laid for advancing Asian football has never been stronger. The accomplishments made during this time are a source of pride, attributed to the solidarity and cooperation within the Asian football community, along with the AFC's consistent support for its member associations.
The Congress also approved the AFC budget for 2025 and 2026, as well as the audited financial statements for 2024 and the auditors' report. Total investment expenses increased by 63.9% to reach 303 million US dollars in 2024. Shaikh Salman bin Ibrahim highlighted increased investment in customised support and development programmes that address the specific needs of national and regional associations.
He congratulated the national teams of Japan and Iran for securing qualification to the FIFA World Cup 2026, and wished success to the remaining representatives of the continent in upcoming events, including the FIFA Club World Cup this June. Shaikh Salman bin Ibrahim also expressed confidence in the organisational capabilities of Football Australia and the Saudi Arabian Football Federation, as hosts of the AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup 2027, respectively.
He noted the potential submission of hosting bids for the 2031 and 2035 editions of the AFC Asian Cup for ratification at a single Congress meeting. He informed the AFC Executive Committee that no fewer than seven national associations had expressed interest in hosting the continent's premier national teams' competition.
Shaikh Salman bin Ibrahim conveyed condolences to the victims of the ongoing war in Palestine, and those affected by the devastating earthquake in Myanmar and Thailand, which resulted in over 3,000 deaths. He emphasised the AFC's solidarity with the people of Palestine, Myanmar, and Thailand.