Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa

Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa is the President of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). He has recently become newsworthy due to his strong opposition to FIFA's proposals to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors. Al Khalifa has publicly stated that FIFA's lack of consultation with continental bodies regarding this plan is "totally unacceptable" and undermines the sport's continental structure. The AFC, under his leadership, has declared solidarity with UEFA and CONCACAF, who are also threatening boycotts over these proposals. This stance positions Sheikh Salman as a key figure in the ongoing global football governance debate, highlighting a significant rift between continental confederations and FIFA's leadership regarding the commercial future of its premier tournament.