KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 9 — Asian Football Confederation (AFC) secretary-general Datuk Seri Windsor Paul John has confirmed that the Syrian Football Association (SFA) is stable, although there is a possibility of changes in terms of its logo, flag, and national anthem, due to the current political situation in the country.
He said there are no problems or obstacles faced by the SFA thus far, while the country's football administration continues to run as usual.
"As for their status today, they have informed us that there may be a change of logo, flag, anthem, and so on but, in terms of the association's stability, there is no problem. For now, they do not face any problems from anyone.
"So, its football administration is running as usual, no constraints or any problems. As I have said, they have communicated with us and said they will write to us soonest possible if there are changes to the logo and so on," Windsor said.
He was speaking to the press this after the draw for the Third Round 2027 Asia Cup Qualifiers at the AFC House in Bukit Jalil today.
Windsor added that he does not expect any major changes to take place since the current SFA administration is headed by officials who were legally appointed by the affiliates.
"As we all know, if there is third-party interference, the association will be suspended. But, for now, there is no such thing. Everything is running smoothly and as normal," he said.
Meanwhile, Syria is unlikely to host any international matches yet.
"Syria cannot be a host... it has been over 10 years now. So, we cannot see any matches being held there because it does not have the infrastructure either.
"Perhaps, in the future... we do not know. But for matches next year, I feel there is no change to their status as a team who have to play at a neutral venue," Windsor said.
Previously, international media had reported that the SFA would change the colour of their log and national team kit from red to green, after the regime of President Bashar al-Assad was overthrown.
— Bernama
