Shaikh Salman confirmed that the AFC is continuing to search for a solution to the international ban on the Kuwait Football Association, explaining that the AFC supports all efforts to end the FIFA ban imposed for government interference and bring Kuwait back into the international football family.
The AFC President hoped that the discussions between FIFA and the Kuwait FA would help both parties reach a common agreement and that the AFC would be ready to assist where necessary in the process.
Shaikh Salman also offered tentative support for football matches to return to Iraq.
He said that FIFA was looking at the possibility of allowing friendly matches to be played in Iraq and that this would be an important step on the path to the lifting of the embargo on football in Iraq.
The AFC President added that the AFC would review the Iraq Football Association’s request to host two matches between Air Force Club and Al Zawraa in the AFC Cup later this month in Iraq.
Shaikh Salman said: “Staging the two matches between Al Zawraa and Air Force Club in Iraqi stadiums will be important in proving Iraq’s capability to organize and host international matches with efficiency and safety. We are sure that this step will have a positive impact on the future of the game in the country.’
The AFC President also re-iterated the Confederation’s support for the ‘legitimate requests’ of the Palestine Football Association to develop Palestine football on continental and international levels.
He stressed that there are rules and regulations in FIFA’s statutes that cover the situation, and hopes that there will be a rapid end to the deadlock.