The Qatar Football Association emphasized the importance of transparency and institutional governance in the positions and data issued by the national associations, in a formal speech delivered by the President of the Association, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Thani to the Asian Football Confederation. A statement by the Qatar Football Association was issued in response to the joint statement issued by the European Football Association, CONCACAF, and the Asian Football Confederation on August 10. The lack of consultation with the Qatar Football Association was clarified by Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Thani, that the Qatar Football Association was not consulted, officially or unofficially, before the statement was issued, and he did not receive any prior notice or draft of the statement, and he was not given the opportunity to comment or contribute to its content before it was published under the name of the Asian Football Confederation and on behalf of its members. The President of the Qatar Football Association noted in his speech sent to the Asian Football Confederation that any position presented as a collective position of the member associations must be linked to a clear consultation process that precedes its announcement, and that it should not be assumed that there is a collective agreement without referring to the members.
Emphasis on Governance and Transparency Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa emphasized the importance of adhering to sound institutional procedures and transparency standards, pointing out that the issuance of a statement speaking on behalf of Asian Football Confederation members without consulting them raises questions about the mechanism used to take such positions. He also emphasized the need to apply the principles of transparency and consultation in a consistent manner, in order to maintain the credibility of the Asian Football Confederation and enhance trust among its members.
Request for Official Clarification from the Asian Football Confederation The Qatar Football Association's statement referred to the request made by Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed for clarification from the Asian Football Confederation regarding the consultation process that preceded the issuance of the statement. In addition to the mechanism for informing national associations or consulting with them, and clarifying the basis on which the Asian Football Confederation spoke on behalf of its members. The President of the Qatar Football Association concluded his position by emphasizing his commitment to addressing the issue in a constructive manner that maintains the unity of Asian Football Confederation and enhances trust and cooperation among its members. The Qatar Football Association's statement noted that there are six presidents of Arab football associations, including Qatar, Egypt, and Morocco, who have announced their support for Gianni Infantino, President of the International Football Federation, emphasizing their support for him and his efforts to lead and develop football at the international level.
