Qatar disputes AFC's criticism of FIFA President Infantino's leadership.

Qatar is challenging the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) over its recent decision to join UEFA and CONCACAF in a public criticism of FIFA President Gianni Infantino. The Qatar Football Association (QFA) expressed its discontent after an open letter was issued on Monday, which claimed to represent the views of all AFC members without prior consultation.

This development comes amid growing dissent against Infantino, who is seeking re-election in 2024. The backlash intensified after his controversial proposal to sell 20% of FIFA’s commercial rights to private investors, which was projected to generate approximately $4.2 billion. Following a wave of criticism, Infantino reversed his decision, but the fallout has caused fractures within the football community, particularly among Asian football leaders.

In his letter to AFC President Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa, QFA President Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani highlighted the lack of consultation prior to the release of the statement. He stated that neither the QFA nor he personally had been involved in discussions about the letter. Al-Thani demanded clarification on how the AFC could claim to speak on behalf of its 47 member associations, emphasizing that a collective view should be established through proper dialogue and not assumed through declaration.

This challenge from Qatar is significant as it reflects deeper divisions within the AFC at a critical juncture for Infantino’s leadership. Meanwhile, support for Infantino continues to emerge, particularly from six Arab national football associations, including Qatar and Morocco. These leaders expressed their appreciation for his efforts to promote football globally and strengthen its role in uniting communities. The ongoing internal conflict within Asian football could have lasting implications for its governance and for FIFA’s future direction.