December 4 – At the final Asian Football Confederation (AFC) executive committee meeting of 2024, president Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa reflected on the historic successes of Asian nations in world tournaments in 2024, as well as reiterating his backing to Saudi Arabia who are expected to be awarded the hosting of the 2034 World Cup next week.
In other business the executive committee noted the launch of the bidding process for the AFC Asian Cup 2031 last week and ratified the decisions of all the standing committees, including the dates and venues of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026.
FIFA Council member and AFC Senior Vice President Praful Patel was appointed to the AFC Dream Asia Foundation Board of Trustees for a four-year term was also approved.
“As we reflect on 2024, we can all take immense pride by the manner in which the AFC’s Vision and Mission is coming to life, particularly with the dominance of our Asian teams on the world’s biggest stages,” said Shaikh Salman.
Praising North Korea for becoming the first nation to win back-to-back women’s age-group titles in the same year, he also pointed to the importance of the AFC’s new club competition eco-system.
“Our revamped club competitions are undoubtedly leaving a profound impact in uplifting the quality and competitive spirit of our Participating Member Associations and clubs and the future of Asian football is indeed brighter than ever,” he said.
Solidarity among the AFC’s federations has been a common theme of Salman’s presidency and he again reinforced the importance of their unity behind the Saudi 2034 World Cup bid.
“For only the third time in history, the FIFA World Cup will return to Asia in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 2034. Asia’s track record is widely acclaimed having already hosted the greatest ever global showpiece in Qatar 2022 and soon we will have the opportunity again to showcase our exceptional hosting capabilities and immense passion for the great game.
“It will be a proud moment for all of us and we have to praise the AFC Member Associations for standing firmly behind one bid for Asia, and soon we will cherish another crowning moment for Asian and global football,” he continued.
“The entire Asian football family stands in solidarity with me in wishing the Saudi Arabian Football Federation the very best of success and I want to assure them of the AFC’s continued support.”
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