KUALA LUMPUR: The Asian Football Confederation president Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa has praised Asian teams for their achievements on the global stage, whilst acknowledging the strong sense of unity within the Asian football family at the latest online executive committee meeting.

Citing the recent success of North Korea, who emerged as the only member association in world football to repeat the feat of capturing back-to-back women’s age-group titles in the same year, Shaikh Salman said: “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.

“Our revamped club competitions are also 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.”

Moving onto next week’s FIFA Extraordinary Congress where Saudi Arabia is in pole and sole position to be confirmed as the hosts of the FIFA World Cup 2034, the AFC president outlined his steadfast belief for Asia to deliver yet another outstanding celebration of football.

Shaikh Salman said: “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.

“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,” added the AFC President.

The exco noted the commencement of the bidding process for the AFC Asian Cup 2031™ last week and also ratified the decisions of all the standing committees, including the dates and venues of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ which were recommended by the AFC Women’s Football Committee on November 12.

The appointment of former FIFA Council member and AFC Senior Vice President Praful Patel to the AFC Dream Asia Foundation Board of Trustees for a four-year term was also approved.

The next edition of the AFC Annual Awards and the AFC Member Associations and Regional Associations Presidents’ and General Secretaries’ Conference 2025 will take place in Saudi Arabia.

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