By Paul Nicholson
December 9 – AFC president Shaikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa has emphasised the unity of Asia’s national football associations as the core strength supporting the confederation not just during the unprecedented challenges of the covid pandemic but also as the international football world turns its attention to Asia in 2021.
Speaking at the AFC’s 30th Annual Congress, held virtually, he said: “Although we are not together in person, I know that Asia will be together in spirit.”
The AFC was the first confederation to suspend competition when the covid pandemic broke. “We recognised what was most important was the health and well being of our stakeholders,” said Salman.
Salman congratulated his member associations and his own executive for “strong leadership in difficult times”, and pointed towards the importance of Asia’s hosting of major FIFA events in 2021, as well as the next editions of FIFA’s men’s World Cup in Qatar in 2022 and Women’s World Cup in 2023 in Australia and New Zealand.
“Everyone has been affected in 2020 and here in Asia it is no different,” said Salman.
“But we have maintained our focus and belief…we have come through stronger as we draw on the solidarity and unity that Asia is famous for.”
Singling out the women’s world cup in 2023 which was awarded to the joint Australia/New Zealand bid, he emphasised the intention to deliver the best women’s world cup ever, while at the same time commended Japan and the “integrity of withdrawing their bid (to host).”
“The AFC has demonstrated it is prepared to face up and overcome any challenge, and to face it as one family,” he said
The AFC has delivered two competition in 2020 with its men’s U23 Championships at the start of the year in Thailand and its Champions League which will conclude this month.
“Only when the moment was right did we take the decision to restart the Champions Legue,” said Salman. “…it became important to put football backl on the field for fans, players, stakeholders, and our sponsors and partners… we would not have achieved so much without your support.”
Saying that it will “take time to recover”, he emphasised that “good governance and financial management will see us through and to a brighter future in 2021.”
Closing the congress he again emphasised how in 2021 international football focus will be intense in Asia with two Club World Cups hosted, the Tokyo Olympics, the new Arab Cup and the confederation’s 2022 World Cup qualification competition. India is also hosting the U17 Women’s World Cup in 2022.
The AFC has often marched under the slogans of ‘the power of together’ and ‘This is Asia’s time’. As the confederation readies for a packed 2021 and World Cups in 2022 and 2023, they have never been more appropriate.
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