War of power continues in Asian soccer between two prominent personalities in this part of the world. Yes, we are taking about Asia’s FIFA vice-president Prince Ali Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein and Asian Football Confederation chief Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa where Salman is trying to enhance his powers by merging the executive powers of AFC president to that of FIFA’s vice president, and if he could succeed in doing so, Hussein’ position would have no meaning practically. But, for something good, AFC President Salman can’t simply do it as he would have to take the support of at least three quarter AFC members while according to his last attempt; he could successfully convince eight members to back his merging idea. Actually, the matter revealed by a news agency last month that how AFC president is trying to shell off FIFA’s representative from Asian soccer and when he could not succeed in getting his innovative idea approved by the FIFA, he started gaining ground support. More importantly, Hussein has now written an open letter to all AFC members asking them not to support Salman idea as it would denounce FIFA role in policing matters in Asian fraternity which would be harmful for this region in a long run.
He prominently uses aggressive language without being abusive and showed his surprise as why a concept that had been sidelined by both FIFA and AFC is now getting back into the headlines. Salman, who is known for his mind games, has spent considerable time in last week’s AFC meetings in Kuala Lumpur just to convince as many members as he can. Hussein blatantly wrote in the latter, “I believe there is wisdom in maintaining the two positions separate. It allows the FIFA vice-president to focus on Asian football issues in FIFA while the AFC president focuses on addressing football challenges in Asia and strengthening football development which is a very big task.
“My work will continue regardless of the outcome of this proposal. I only urge member associations and football officials to think about our priorities in Asia and decide accordingly. Let us choose football over politics.”
He clearly tried to persuade each and every member emotionally and how it could be dangerous if politics occupy the federation. He asked everyone to stand against any such proposal in next executive meet in Brazil and added, “This proposal will be discussed and decided on at the AFC Congress in Brazil. While I respect these member associations, I stand strongly opposed to their position for the following reasons, which I have shared with my dear colleagues on both the FIFA and AFC Executive Committees respectively.”