Salman Al Khalifa: Saudi Arabia has become the beating heart of Asia in football

Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa, President of the Asian Football Confederation, praised the significant role that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has begun to play in the development of Asian football, affirming that it has become a pivotal center for football events on the continent.

During the seventh meeting of the Executive Committee of the Asian Confederation, held in Riyadh ahead of the Confederation's 2025 Awards ceremony, Sheikh Salman expressed his deep gratitude to the Saudi Football Federation for the distinguished hosting and meticulous organization, noting that the Kingdom gathered this week a selection of football officials through high-level Asian conferences.

The President of the Confederation commended the achievements of Asian teams recently, congratulating Saudi Arabia and Qatar on qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, and he highlighted the impressive levels presented by Al Hilal Saudi Club during the FIFA Club World Cup after reaching the quarter-finals, while also praising the excellence of Asian refereeing in managing major matches.

Sheikh Salman affirmed that Asian football represents a symbol of unity and solidarity, adding: "Our meeting in Riyadh highlights the cohesion among the continent's federations and reminds us that football reflects the reality of our communities and gives them hope despite difficulties."

He also announced the Asian Confederation's solidarity with the Palestinian Football Federation, offering condolences to the victims of the war in Gaza, and reaffirming continued support for programs to rebuild sports activities there, alongside support for the federations of Nepal and the Philippines in overcoming their local challenges.

On the administrative side, the Executive Committee approved the "Equal Playground" program aimed at establishing fairness in development opportunities within federations, and agreed to grant Thailand the right to host the next two editions of the AFC Beach Soccer Championship, in a step that enhances balanced regional presence.

Sheikh Salman also welcomed the signing of two new agreements with UEFA extending until 2029, for the exchange of experiences and mutual recognition of coaching certificates between the two continents, contributing to raising the efficiency of Asian technical staff.

The meeting concluded with the announcement of Thailand being chosen to host the AFC Awards 2026, confirming the growing Asian presence globally and the expansion of cooperation and influence in the international football arena.