Qatar Football Association President Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani has publicly challenged the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) over its decision to join UEFA and CONCACAF in issuing an open letter attacking FIFA President Gianni Infantino. Al-Thani said neither he nor the QFA were consulted before the letter's release on August 10, which critics say was done without prior notice or opportunity to comment on the statement issued in the name of AFC’s 47 member associations [1] [2] [3] [4].
The open letter from AFC, UEFA, and CONCACAF called for Infantino to resign following his failed attempt to bring private investment into FIFA competitions, including the World Cup [1] [2] [3] [4]. Infantino, who seeks reelection in 2027, faces rising opposition after the collapse of his financing proposal [1] [2] [3] [4].
Al-Thani, who holds roles on both the AFC Executive Committee and FIFA Council, wrote that "a collective view must first be ascertained; it cannot be presumed, and it cannot be brought into existence by declaration." He asked the AFC to clarify on what basis it considered itself authorized to speak for all its members without consultation [1]. He further stated that "neither the QFA, nor I personally... was consulted, whether formally or informally, prior to the issuance of the statement. 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 in AFC's name and on behalf of AFC's members" [2].
The controversy took place amid public declarations of support for Infantino from several Arab national football associations. On August 13, six Arab football federation leaders, including Qatar and Morocco (co-host of the 2030 World Cup), expressed their backing. They praised Infantino for his efforts to expand football globally and unite communities through the sport [3]. Four of these leaders—Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, Egypt’s Hany Abo Rida, Morocco’s Fouzi Lekjaa, and Mauritania’s Ahmed Yahya—also serve on the FIFA Council [1] [2] [3] [4].
The dispute centers on AFC’s unilateral step to join UEFA and CONCACAF in condemning Infantino without prior member consultation. Qatar’s firm challenge raises questions about internal governance within AFC and alignment among continental federations ahead of FIFA’s 2027 presidential election. [1] [2] [3] [4]
The next scheduled milestone in this issue is the ongoing FIFA Council discussions on governance and leadership, as well as the formal launch of campaigns for the 2027 FIFA presidential election.
