DOHA: Ali Al Salat, the Media Coordinator of the Qatari national teams, on Sunday said the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has approved a request made by Qatar Football Association (QFA) to excuse the presence of Akram Afif for the Player of the Year awards ceremony. Afif, one of Qatar's brightest talents, is shortlisted for AFC Player of the Year awards to be held in Kuala Lumpur on December 3. Al Salat said Afif is busy with Qatar team's Gulf Cup campaign. Qatar face the UAE on Monday for a place in the semifinals of the tournament. The AFC Awards ceremony coincides with Gulf Cup dates, Al Salat said on Sunday. QFA President Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Thani will be representing the QFA along with representatives from Al Sadd Sports Club. Al Salat said that recent talks between the AFC and QFA in this regard 'were highly appreciated'.