Qatar’s football governing body has publicly questioned the Asian Football Confederation’s decision to issue an open letter that condemned FIFA President Gianni Infantino, saying the move was made without consulting the Gulf nation.
Protocol dispute within Asian football
The letter, dispatched by the AFC together with UEFA and CONCACAF, accused Infantino of mishandling a proposed private‑investment drive that would have funneled $4.2 billion into FIFA’s flagship tournaments, including the World Cup. It also called for his resignation, citing a lack of transparency in the plan.
Qatar’s President Hamad bin Khalifa Al‑Thani, who also sits on the AFC Executive Committee and the FIFA Council, wrote that any collective stance must be reached through proper consultation. He stressed that the confederation’s criticism was issued without first informing the QFA, a breach of the procedural norms he expects from its members.
The episode underscores a growing rift within Asian football. Six heads of Arab national associations — including Qatar and Morocco — had previously voiced backing for Infantino, praising his push to expand global participation and community engagement. Yet four of those supporters — Al‑Thani, Hany Abo Rida of Egypt, Fouzi Lekjaa of Morocco and Ahmed Yahya of Mauritania — are also members of the FIFA Council, giving them a direct voice in the federation’s governance.
When approached for comment, the AFC declined to respond, leaving the matter unresolved. The silence has amplified speculation about Infantino’s future, especially as his investment proposal collapsed under public backlash and the confederation’s internal disagreements surface.