Bin Hammam beat off a challenge from the President of the Bahrain Football Association Sheikh Salman Bin Hamad Bin Isa Al-Khalifa in a heated competition.

"We welcome Mr Bin Hammam's election," said Lowy after the result was revealed. "It is important now that everyone in Asian football focuses on working together towards our shared goal - which is to improve the professionalism and standing of football throughout the Asian region.

"We are pleased with the contribution we have made so far to the AFC and look forward to continuing to do so."

Also elected to an official position on the AFC Executive today as a Vice-President was FFA Board member, Ms Moya Dodd, who becomes the first Australian elected to such a role.

"This is fantastic news for Australia, as well as for Moya," said Mr Lowy. "In only our fourth year as a member of AFC, it is wonderful to have an Australian on the Executive of the AFC and Moya is a great representative for us."

Ms Dodd is a Partner with law firm Gilbert + Tobin and is a former vice-captain of the Australian women's football team, the Matildas.

"Moya is also the first woman elected to serve on the AFC Executive and one of only a handful of women to serve in such a senior capacity in world football.

Lowy added: "I am very proud that an Australian woman is leading the way for world football in this regard."