Qatar questions AFC process over collective stance on Gianni Infantino

Qatar has challenged the Asian Football Confederation’s decision to adopt a firm position towards FIFA president Gianni Infantino, saying the AFC should not speak on behalf of all its members without consulting them first.

The dispute has exposed a significant disagreement within Asian football, with the Qatar Football Association (QFA) making clear that it does not support the approach taken by the continental governing body. The AFC’s position included Qatar, despite the country’s preference for a less confrontational line towards Infantino.

Qatar, which hosted the 2022 World Cup, expressed its concerns in an official statement. The QFA said the central issue was not whether individual member associations agreed with the substance of the AFC’s position, but whether they had been properly involved before a collective view was presented.

“The Qatar Football Association (QFA) believes that the strength and unity of Asian football rest on open consultation, mutual respect and sound institutional governance,” the federation said.

“Our recent exchange with the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) raises an important, although simple, question concerning the procedures for member associations of the AFC to adopt positions.”

The QFA said its objection was focused on the process by which the AFC had presented its stance, rather than on the personalities involved. It also stressed that the issue should not be reduced to whether individual associations supported or opposed the content of a particular statement.

“This is not about individuals, nor about whether individual associations agree or disagree with the content of a particular position,” the statement continued. “It is about ensuring that the voice of member associations is fully heard when Asian football speaks collectively.”

The disagreement comes as Infantino finds himself at the centre of a broader division in world football. The AFC has taken a clear position towards the FIFA president, but Qatar’s response shows that the confederation’s approach is not universally supported among its members.

Qatar said it had raised the matter in a constructive and fraternal spirit, while reaffirming its respect for the AFC and its leadership. The federation presented the debate as an opportunity to improve the way Asian football reaches collective decisions.

“The QFA raises these concerns in a constructive and fraternal spirit, with respect for the AFC and its leadership, and in the common interest of strengthening the governance, unity and credibility of Asian football.”

The statement therefore places the emphasis on consultation and institutional procedures. Qatar’s objection is that a position was adopted in its name without the country first being asked whether it wished to take such a firm stance towards Infantino.

The QFA said it wanted the voices of all AFC member associations to be properly heard whenever the confederation speaks on behalf of Asian football as a whole.