FIFA president Gianni Infantino today expressed gratitude to Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah for His Majesty's immense contributions as an executive council member of the world football governing body from 2015 until now.

Sultan Abdullah, who is also a former Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) president, tendered the resignation letter to FIFA through a letter dated February 8 after ascending the federal throne on January 31.

"We would like to thank you for this exceptional and invaluable service to FIFA and extend our deepest recognition for all your efforts to promote football, protect its integrity, bring the game to all and build a stronger institution in your country, in your region and in the world," Infantino said in a reply letter.

Infantino revealed that His Majesty was involved as a committee member in various tournaments under FIFA sanction since 1994.

Among the committees were the Organising Committee for the FIFA Olympic Football Tournaments from 1994 to 1998; the Committee on Fair Play and Social Responsibility from 1994 to 2002; the Strategic Committee from 1998 to 2002; and the Technical and Development Committee from 1999 to 2002.

"Through all these activities at the service of world football for more than 25 years, you have made a telling contribution to the development of football and to the promotion of our sport and its values around the world.

"There is no doubt that we will miss you, not only your experience, knowledge and expertise, but above all the person. We sincerely hope that our friendship and excellent relationship will continue in the future," he added.

Infantino also extended his sincerest congratulations to Sultan Abdullah after being proclaimed as Malaysia's 16th Yang di-Pertuan Agong.