Asia chief hits out at Qatar over pushback on letter attacking Infantino

AFC president Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al-Khalifa on Tuesday rejected Qatar Football Association’s claim that he exceeded his authority when he joined UEFA and CONCACAF in criticizing FIFA leader Gianni Infantino. In a letter reviewed by Reuters, the Bahraini official said he had “both the authority and the responsibility” to protect the AFC and Asian football’s position when issues of “fundamental importance” arise. He also criticized the QFA for putting “technicalities” ahead of defending the sport. The dispute comes as Infantino faces calls to quit over an aborted plan to attract private investment into FIFA events, including the World Cup.