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AFC president responds to Qatar amid Infantino controversy

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 18, 2026, 8:00 AM

Last updated Aug 18, 2026

AFC president responds to Qatar amid Infantino controversy

Summary

On August 18, the president of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim al-Khalifa, addressed a challenge from Qatar regarding the AFC's joint criticism of FIFA president Gianni Infantino. Qatar Football Association president Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani questioned the lack of consultation before the AFC's statement against Infantino's shelved sell-off plan for FIFA competitions. Sheikh Salman defended his actions as aligned with the AFC's constitutional mandate and emphasized the organization's duty to uphold football's interests in Asia. This ongoing dispute further complicates relationships within Asian football as the criticism of Infantino continues.

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By the Numbers

•AFC criticizes FIFA's sell-off plan in joint statement with UEFA and CONCACAF.
•Qatar demands explanation over lack of consultation before AFC's letter.
•Sheikh Salman defends his authority according to AFC constitution.
•Infantino's leadership faces continued challenge amid criticism.

Latest Updates

8:00 AMYahoo Sports — Rift deepens as Asia football chief hits back at Qatar in Infantino saga

What they're saying

"
A damaging split within Asian football deepened Tuesday as the region's top official hit back at a Qatari challenge over the confederation's move to join UEFA and CONCACAF in targeting FIFA president Gianni Infantino.The AFC, CONCACAF and UEFA had been vociferous in their condemnation of Infantino's sell-off plan and have not let up even after it was shelved.
— Yahoo Sports

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Yahoo SportsAug 18, 2026, 8:00 AM
Rift deepens as Asia football chief hits back at Qatar in Infantino saga
A damaging split within Asian football deepened Tuesday as the region's top official hit back at a Qatari challenge over the confederation's move to join UEFA and CONCACAF in targeting FIFA president Gianni Infantino.The AFC, CONCACAF and UEFA had been vociferous in their condemnation of Infantino's sell-off plan and have not let up even after it was shelved.

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