The Third Letter in the Dispute Series
In a new letter, Qatar Football Association (QFA) President Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, known for his strong support of FIFA President Gianni Infantino, stated that the AFC’s third letter, issued together with UEFA and Concacaf, lacked member consultation. Al-Thani noted that the letter criticized Infantino’s conduct over an aborted bid to bring private investment into the World Cup and questioned his leadership.
AFC’s Response to the Concern
Al-Thani said the AFC’s reply raises more questions than answers. According to the letter, the AFC admitted that no consultation took place with any members, whether the AFC executive committee or individual member associations, before the statement was issued in their name. The reply focused on the substance of the FFE proposal, FIFA’s conduct, and the AFC’s public statements, but did not address the specific question of member consultation.
QFA’s Position and Acknowledgement of the Mistake
Al-Thani emphasizes that the lack of consultation raises “more questions than answers,” reflecting a transparency issue within the AFC. He also notes that Infantino is seeking re-election next year, and the letter puts him in a difficult position before the members.
Impact on Continental Relations
These issues highlight tension between the continental federation and the AFC, underscoring the importance of effective communication before issuing official statements. Al-Thani, a staunch supporter of Infantino, continues to stress the need for consultation mechanisms to maintain the credibility of continental bodies.
Conclusion
These letters shed light on the necessity of consulting members before any official statement and highlight the challenges facing continental federations in maintaining integrity and transparency. The debate remains open on how to improve these processes to ensure all parties are involved in decision-making.
