Response to the Joint Statement
In a letter issued by the AFC, UEFA, and CONCACAF, an open letter was addressed to the "family of football" demanding the resignation of Infantino, asserting that "football is not owned by any individual." Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa, President of the Qatar Football Federation, stated in a statement released on Saturday that the Qatar Football Federation was not consulted, either formally or informally, before the joint statement was issued. He added that the federation had not received any prior notice or draft of the statement, nor was it given an opportunity to comment or contribute to its content before it was published under the name of the AFC and on behalf of its members.
The Qatari Perspective
Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Thani issued a separate statement declaring that any stance presented as a collective position of member associations must be based on a clear consultation process preceding its announcement, and that a presumed collective agreement cannot be assumed without consulting the members. He said that any collective position must be built on prior consultation, and that any decision issued in the name of the AFC without involving the members is unacceptable.
Recognition of Legal Authority
Sheikh Salman responded to accusations that he exceeded his authority, affirming that he acted "within the legal delegation granted to me under the AFC's Statute." He said: "I categorically reject any suggestion that I exceeded my authority by participating in the statement or that the AFC acted incorrectly in its participation." He added: "The AFC is the guardian body of football in Asia, and its president bears the responsibility of protecting the interests and values of the game."
Responsibility and Transparency
Sheikh Salman clarified that "in circumstances like those that led to the joint statement, remaining silent conflicts with this responsibility," stressing that any collective stance must be built on transparency and cooperation among all concerned parties. He concluded by calling for a review of the consultation mechanisms within the AFC to ensure that no statement is issued in the name of the federation without the participation of all members.
Conclusion
Through this statement, Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim sets a clear position regarding the lack of consultation with the Qatari federation before the joint statement was issued, and emphasizes the importance of consultation and transparency in decisions that affect football in Asia.
