AFC Renews Thanks to Qatar for Hosting AFC Champions League

Kuala Lumpur, December 10 (QNA) - The Asian Football Association (AFC) renewed its thanks to Qatar Football Association and the Qatari Authorities, particularly the medical professionals, for working closely with the AFC to implement the new COVID-19 health protocols which allowed the AFC Champions League to be played in Doha. The final is on December 19, 2020. During the 30th AFC Congress held virtually on Wednesday, the AFC approved Northern Mariana Islands Football Association (NMIFA) on becoming the 47th full Member Association of the AFC. AFC President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa said: "We are proud to welcome the Northern Mariana Islands Football Association as the newest ordinary member of the AFC family. Under the leadership of NMIFA President Jerry Tan, I have no doubts that the game will continue to scale greater heights." Addressing the Congress, attended by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, Shaikh Salman praised the Asian football family for the way that they have faced the most challenging situations in a year like no other in AFC history. He once again identified the unity and solidarity of the AFC which has led to the most solid of foundations in the last seven years and it was that strong footing that has allowed the Confederation to rise together in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. "Throughout these unprecedented and uncertain times we have maintained our focus and we have maintained our belief. Yes, there have been challenges. The AFC was the first Confederation to postpone its matches in the face of the pandemic, but we showed strong leadership and also a recognition of what was important in life," the AFC President said. Shaikh Salman also praised the sporting integrity of the Japan Football Association by withdrawing their bid and the AFC President added he was delighted that now Japan would be hosting the FIFA Club World Cup 2021. (QNA)