Today, the Asian Football Confederation confirmed its complete rejection of the proposals made by the President of the Jordanian Football Association in statements published on his account on the “X” platform, related to the conduct of the work of the Extraordinary General Assembly of the Asian Football Confederation Tokyo 2026, which was held last Friday, and the democratic processes in the member national federations.
The AFC said in an official statement published on its website: “The General Assembly meeting was held in full accordance with the rules and regulations in force in the AFC. The internal regulations specify clear procedures for the participation of national member federations in the work of the General Assembly, and these procedures have been adhered to throughout its session.
He added: “During the work of the General Assembly in Tokyo, the President of the Jordanian Football Association did not request to speak, nor did any other national member association submit a similar request. The Jordanian delegation was given the opportunity to participate in accordance with the approved procedures, but it did not submit any application. Prince Ali bin Al Hussein wrote a post on the “X” platform in which he said: “When it comes to the FIFA elections, the presidents of the continental federations have no role, as the right to vote rests with each member national federation individually. Accordingly, any allegations that have emerged recently indicating that the presidents of the continental federations or members of the FIFA Council participate in the voting process are baseless.”
He added: “After my return from Tokyo, where the Asian Football Confederation conference was held, the first two days were about football, which we all serve. The last day was pure politics at the request of Gianni Infantino, President of the International Federation.” He continued: “There have been reports that Asia has a unified position when it comes to electing the next president of FIFA. In fact, no one was allowed to speak, ask questions, discuss, or speak with the media.” He stressed: “The absence of transparency leads to the absence of accountability. “No form of coercion, threats or bribes should be allowed.” The AFC explained: “Accordingly, the AFC rejects any suggestion that the work of the General Assembly was not conducted properly, or that the federation’s democratic processes have been compromised.”
He continued: “Moreover, the Asian Football Confederation has never restricted its members from communicating with the media. Every member was, and still is, completely free to express his opinions, whether through the media or through his own social media platforms.” He continued: “The AFC takes seriously unsubstantiated allegations, which completely lack any credible basis, regarding coercion, threats or bribery. Such serious accusations must be based on reliable evidence, and should not be made without a sound factual basis.”
He added: “Accordingly, the AFC will refer the statements issued by the President of the Jordanian Football Association, including the allegations he raised, to the competent judicial bodies in the Federation for consideration and to take any additional measures it deems appropriate, in accordance with the AFC Statutes and applicable regulations.” He continued: “The Asian Football Confederation affirms its firm commitment to the principles of good governance, transparency and fair treatment of all member national associations. It will continue to adhere to its statute and regulations, and ensure that the General Assembly’s work is conducted fairly and justly, and in accordance with due legal procedures.”
Commander Saad Abdul Amir scored the goal of a 1-0 victory for his Iraqi team, Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya, over its guest, Pakhtakor, Uzbekistan, in the third round of the league stage in the AFC Champions League for elite football, achieving his first victory in three matches at Al-Madina Stadium in the capital, Baghdad, on Monday.
Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya advanced to tenth place by three points after two consecutive defeats, while Pakhtakor remained in 12th place with two points from two draws in the first two rounds.
Abdel Amir's goal came in the 70th minute when he followed a pass with a header from Ashraf Boudrama following a cross from a free kick to put the ball into the net from close range.
The fourth round of the Western Region competitions will be held on the second and third of next November, where Pakhtakor will meet the Saudi Al-Nasr in Tashkent, and Al-Wasl will meet the Air Force in Dubai.
Each team will play eight matches during the league stage, with the best eight clubs in each region qualifying for the round of 16. The round of 16 matches will be held next March, while the quarter-final, semi-final and final matches will be held in the pool system in Saudi Arabia.
