Asian football boss urges support, not ‘cynicism’ for World Cup

KUALA LUMPUR: Asia’s football chief has called for support for the Qatar World Cup despite the “deep undercurrents of cynicism” that have marked the build-up to the event.

Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al-Khalifa praised Qatar’s “extraordinary efforts” in hosting the tournament, and said a successful World Cup is “the need of the hour ... in these challenging times.”

“There are deep undercurrents of cynicism due to a combination of factors,” the Asian Football Confederation president said in a statement.

“But no other sport has the unique power to bring us all together in a positive spirit of joy, excitement and optimism.”

Sheikh Salman said the AFC “pledges its full support and unwavering commitment” to the host country, a member of the 47-member confederation.

“Now more than ever, it is crucial for all of us to wholeheartedly complement their efforts by offering our full support to the tournament,” he said.

The World Cup, the first major global sporting event with fans since the pandemic, starts on Nov. 20.