A significant rift has emerged within Asian football as Qatar has formally challenged the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) over its decision to join UEFA and CONCACAF in an open letter that attacked FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

The letter, addressed to AFC President Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa by Qatar Football Association (QFA) President Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, expressed strong objections to the AFC's collective stance. Al-Thani stated that neither he nor the QFA were consulted prior to the issuance of the open letter, which purported to speak for all AFC members.

Al-Thani, who also serves as a member of the AFC Executive Committee and the FIFA Council, emphasized the need for collective views to be ascertained before being presented as a unified position. He specifically requested an explanation from the AFC president regarding the consultation process and the basis for the confederation's authority to speak on behalf of its 47 member associations.

This intervention highlights internal divisions within the AFC at a crucial juncture concerning Infantino's leadership. Infantino is currently seeking re-election next year and has faced considerable opposition following a controversial proposal to bring private investment into FIFA competitions, including the World Cup.

In his letter, Al-Thani explicitly stated, "neither the QFA, nor I personally … was consulted, whether formally or informally, prior to the issuance of the statement." He further noted the absence of "advance notice," a "draft circulated," or any "opportunity to comment" before the statement was released publicly under the AFC's name.

The challenge from Qatar comes in the wake of six heads of Arab national football associations, including Qatar and co-hosts of the 2030 World Cup, Morocco, publicly backing Infantino. This support was declared on Thursday amidst the ongoing crisis within FIFA concerning the failed private investment proposal.

Among the signatories supporting Infantino were Al-Thani, Hany Abo Rida (head of Egypt's football federation), Fouzi Lekjaa (Morocco), and Ahmed Yahya (Mauritania). Notably, these four individuals also hold positions on the FIFA Council. Their joint statement expressed "deep appreciation for Mr Infantino’s sustained efforts to advance football globally, expand opportunities across all regions and strengthen the game’s role in bringing people and communities together."

Infantino's initial proposal involved carving out commercial rights for the World Cup and selling a 20% stake to private investors. The backlash from UEFA, AFC, and CONCACAF has called for his resignation over his conduct related to this initiative.