Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa has congratulated Asia’s four representatives – Islamic Republic of Iran, Korea Republic, Japan and Saudi Arabia for clinching their spots at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 following the conclusion of the AFC Asian Qualifiers – Road to Qatar™ on Tuesday.

The AFC President said: “On behalf of the Asian football family, I would like to congratulate our four representatives for showcasing remarkable consistency throughout the last six months of intense qualifying action to confirm their places amongst the world’s elite.

“I must also convey the appreciation of the Confederation to all the Participating Teams, the host Member Associations of the neutral matches, whose steadfast support and commitment were pivotal towards the AFC completing the tournament under the most challenging of circumstances.”

With Australia and the United Arab Emirates securing their places in the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers 2022 Asian Playoff, which is scheduled to be held in Doha, Qatar on June 7 before the all-important FIFA Intercontinental Playoff contest a week later, the AFC President also sent his best wishes to the two Asian sides, with the winners set to face the fifth-place finishers from the CONMEBOL qualifiers.

Shaikh Salman added: “We must also wish Australia and the United Arab Emirates the very best of success in their bid to secure a place at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, where we hope to see a record six teams from the Continent in what promises to be a crowning moment for Asian and global football.

“Our best wishes also go to the Qatari Authorities and the Qatar Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy in their ambitions to stage the greatest ever FIFA World Cup in history, beginning with the upcoming official draw on Friday and best of luck to all our Asian teams.”

(AFC)