New Delhi: All India Football Federation (AIFF) congratulated new AFC President Shaikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa who was chosen the new Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President in Kuala Lumpur today (May 2, 2013).

Shaikh Salman, who hails from Bahrain received 33 of the 46 votes to sweep to victory ahead of Thailand’s Worawi Makudi (7 votes) and Yousuf Al Serkal of the United Arab Emirates (6 votes).

Praful Patel, President of All India Football Federation lauded Shaikh Salman’s victory. “I congratulate Shaikh Salman for his thumping victory. I’m sure his endeavours will go a long way in developing and protecting Football in Asia,” he said. I look forward to working together and exchanging Footballing ideas and Programmes in the near future,” he added.

He also appreciated the efforts of Zhan Jilong for steering AFC through a difficult period in the past 2 years.

Kushal Das, General Secretary of All India Football Federation said: “Indian Football has always been grateful to AFC for their support and we are confident that the ‘Sleeping Giant’ will stay on Shaikh Salman’s priority list. I congratulate him for winning the elections for the post of the AFC President as well as the vacant post of FIFA Executive Committee member from AFC.”