Kuala Lumpur: Shaikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa, President of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and First Vice President of FIFA, met with Lieutenant General Jibril Rajoub, President of the Palestinian Football Association, ahead of the AFC Executive Committee's sixth meeting.
According to Bahrain News Agency, during the meeting, Shaikh Salman bin Ibrahim expressed the AFC's unwavering support for the Palestinian Football Association, emphasizing the Asian football community's solidarity with Palestinian football. He conveyed optimism that the Association will soon be able to fully develop and expand the sport at all levels.
He acknowledged the perseverance and commitment of the Palestinian Football Association in advancing football despite existing challenges, noting the national team's recent achievements in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers as evidence of unity and the Association's dedication to uplifting Palestinian society.
Shaikh Salman bin Ibrahim reiterated the AFC's aim for a swift and peaceful resolution to the obstacles facing football in Palestine. He assured that the AFC, in collaboration with FIFA, will continue to explore effective strategies to address these ongoing issues.
He also confirmed the AFC's long-term commitment to supporting development projects in Palestine, including infrastructure rebuilding, grassroots initiatives, women's football, refereeing, and coaching, to ensure sustainable progress in the sport.
Lieutenant General Rajoub expressed gratitude for Shaikh Salman bin Ibrahim's ongoing support and applauded the AFC's principled approach towards Palestinian football. He welcomed the recent approval of a field hospital project under the AFC's social responsibility initiatives, viewing it as a testament to the strong solidarity between both parties.