Profile Of Shaikh Salman Bin Ebrahim Al-Khalifa From Bahrain And Its Important Position In The World Of Football

Salman bin ebrahim al khalifa profile (Lai Seng Sin / AP)

YOGYAKARTA - Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al-Khalifa has served as President of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) for more than a decade. In addition, he has experience as President of the Bahrain Football Federation and serves as Deputy Chair of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee.

Ebrahim Al-Khalifa comes from Bahrain and is now widely known in the world of football. His name is well known at the national level, Asia region, and on the international stage. During his career, Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al-Khalifa held various important positions in the Bahrain Football Association, AFC, to the FEudration Internationale de Football Association (FIFA).

So, who exactly is Ebrahim Al-Khalifa? Let's take a closer look at Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al-Khalifa's profile and his football activities.

Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al-Khalifa was born on November 2, 1965 in Riffa, Bahrain, and is currently 58 years old. He is a member of the Bahrain Kingdom family. According to a report from The National News, Shaikh Salman earned a bachelor's degree in English Literature and History from Bahrain University in 1992.

His career in the world of national football began in 1998 when he became Vice President of the Bahrain Football Association, and four years later, he was promoted to President of the organization. In May 2013, Shaikh Salman was elected President of the AFC Confederation, which automatically brought him into the position of FIFA Executive Committee.

After becoming the leader of the AFC, Shaikh Salman immediately made changes to the rules that caused Prince Ali bin Hussein of Jordan to lose his position as one of Asia's representatives on the FIFA Executive Committee.

According to Bahrain News Agency, at the 33rd AFC Congress, Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al-Khalifa was re-elected by acclamation as AFC President for a third term, which will last until 2027.

Thus, Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al-Khalifa will lead the AFC from 2013 to 2027, or for 14 years, replacing his predecessor, Zhang Jilong from China (2011-2013) and Mohammed bin Hammam from Qatar (2002-2011).

In 2016, Shaikh Salman also ran for FIFA President, competing with Gianni Infantino and Prince Ali bin Hussein of Jordan, to replace the resigning Sepp Blatter. However, in the election, Shaikh Salman lost to Gianni Infantino in the first and second rounds.

According to Huffpost in January 2016, Shaikh Salman's candidacy was colored by accusations related to his involvement in the detention and harassment of athletes during the uprising that took place in Bahrain in 2011. Then the issue was successfully extinguished with the help of Saudi Arabia's troops. Shaikh Salman firmly denied the allegations.

However, as reported by Bahrain News Agency (BNA), the Bahrain Football Association (BFA) led by Shaikh Salman reportedly threatened to impose sanctions and suspension of those who violated the law. Sanctions will be imposed on athletes, coaches, and administrators involved in demonstrations or actions deemed to be trying to overthrow the regime or insult national figures.

That's the review of Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al-Khalifa's profile. The figure is now known as the President of the AFC and the former Deputy Chair of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee. Also read the unique facts of Bahrain that you need to know.

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