AFC chief denies reports of move to oust Australia

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) chief has denied reports that the AFC is looking to expel Australia. AFC president Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa told the Herald Sun that his comments had been “manipulated”, and said the focus should be on Saturday’s Asian Cup final between hosts Australia and South Korea. Earlier, the Arabic-language Al Ittihad newspaper had quoted Shaikh Salman as saying that there was discontent about Australia in the Gulf region and more widely.

I’m really stunned with the timing to bring this topic out. It’s a false topic. To read a story like this is really sad because there’s no truth in it.

President of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa

Australia joined the AFC in 2006 and its teams have enjoyed success, qualifying for two straight World Cups and two Asian Cup finals, and winning the Champions League club showpiece last year. But their presence also appears to have caused disquiet with other nations missing out on a World Cup spot and other honours. Football Federation Australia chief executive David Gallop expressed surprise at the earlier report.

We were extremely surprised to hear of these press reports from west Asia. We are newcomers to AFC but our commitment to participate in competitions, membership of important AFC committees and general sharing of ideas and programs increases every year.

Football Federation Australia chief executive David Gallop

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