FIFA Vice-President Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa was confirmed as head of the Asian Football Confederation AFC on Wednesday (February 1st, 2023).
The 57-year-old from Bahrain was re-elected by acclamation at the Continental Confederation Congress in Manama and is now entering his third full and final term. He has held the post since 2013. Sheikh Salman is the first representative of World Association President Gianni Infantino.
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia increased its influence in world football. The president of the Saudi association, Yasser Almisehal, will in future sit on the council of the world governing body FIFA, along with the head of the Qatari association, Hamad Al Thani. Both were appointed to the panel headed by Infantino at the AFC elections.
Also surcharge for Asian Championship
Saudi Arabia was awarded the Asian Cup 2027 at the congress. India was the only competitor to withdraw its candidacy last December. Saudi Arabia is considered a possible candidate to host the 2030 World Cup.
“We look forward to hosting the biggest tournament in the history of the competition”Sports Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal said: “The Kingdom is changing before our eyes and we’re excited to see what it will be like in 2027.”
Golf, Formula 1 and CR7
Saudi Arabia has greatly intensified its investments in international sport in recent years. Among other things, the lucrative LIV Golf Tour takes place there, Formula 1 also makes a stop in the kingdom, and soccer superstar Cristiano Ronaldo recently switched to the Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr.
The Asian Championship is held every four years, in 2023 the tournament will take place in Qatar. The defending champion had stepped in for the original host China, who had canceled due to the corona pandemic. Saudi Arabia has won the title three times.