The President of the Qatar Football Association, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, has expressed discontent regarding a lack of consultation prior to the Asian Football Confederation’s (AFC) issuance of an open letter criticising FIFA President Gianni Infantino. Al-Thani’s concerns underscore a growing divide within Asian football related to the direction of FIFA and leadership accountability.

In a missive directed to AFC President Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa, Al-Thani stated that neither the QFA nor himself had been consulted before the AFC, UEFA, and CONCACAF presented a united front in their public denunciation of Infantino. This letter was released on Monday, with assertions that it reflected a collective stance of the member associations.

Al-Thani, who plays a dual role as an AFC Executive Committee member and a FIFA Council member, emphasised that engagement and dialogue among stakeholders are pivotal. He wrote, “A collective view must first be ascertained; it cannot be presumed, and it cannot be brought into existence by declaration.”

AFC’s Decision Sparks Controversy

The AFC’s decision to align with UEFA and CONCACAF has drawn significant criticism, particularly as it coincides with a period of instability for FIFA, given Infantino’s tumultuous leadership. Infantino’s bid for re-election next year is now clouded by allegations concerning his management style and priorities.

In his correspondence, Al-Thani further questioned the legitimacy of the AFC’s claim to represent all 47 of its member associations without appropriate consultation. He demanded clarification on what criteria had been employed to authorise such a collective statement on behalf of its diverse members.

Al-Thani pointedly remarked that he was not afforded any opportunity to contribute to the statement, asserting, “No advance notice was given, no draft was circulated, and no opportunity was afforded to comment on, or contribute to, its content before it was released publicly.” This statement has intensified scrutiny regarding internal dynamics within the AFC.

Support for Infantino Amidst Crisis

The challenge posed by Qatar comes in the wake of support from six Arab national football association heads for Infantino, including leaders from Morocco, which is a co-host for the upcoming 2030 World Cup. Their backing reflects an internal split within the AFC, with some member associations continuing to endorse Infantino’s vision for global football expansion.

Al-Thani, alongside Hany Abo Rida of Egypt’s football federation, Fouzi Lekjaa of Morocco, and Ahmed Yahya of Mauritania, signed a statement praising Infantino for his dedication to advancing football on a global scale. They acknowledged his efforts to enhance opportunities and strengthen football’s societal impact.

Challenges for Infantino were compounded when he proposed to divest 20 per cent of World Cup commercial rights to private investors in order to generate an estimated $4.2 billion. This proposal met substantial backlash, leading to a reversal of the plan, further complicating his leadership position as he approaches the electoral process.

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