Qatar FA president criticizes AFC for not consulting on open letter to FIFA

Doha – Qatar Football Association president Hamad bin Khalifa Al‑Thani said on Tuesday that the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) failed to consult the Gulf nation before issuing an open letter to FIFA. Al‑Thani, speaking at a press conference in Doha, expressed disappointment that the AFC’s communication, which calls for reforms to the international calendar and the allocation of future World Cup hosting rights, was drafted without input from Qatar, a key stakeholder in Asian football and the host of the 2022 World Cup.

The AFC’s letter, released earlier this week, urges FIFA to consider a more balanced distribution of major tournaments and to address concerns over scheduling conflicts that affect clubs and national teams across the continent. While the AFC has not responded to Al‑Thani’s remarks, officials indicated that the letter reflects a collective view of several member associations. Al‑Thani concluded that constructive dialogue is essential for any meaningful change, urging the AFC and FIFA to engage all affected parties before advancing proposals.