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AFC Development Committee reinforces tailormade support for MAs and RAs

AFC Development Committee reinforces tailormade support for MAs and RAs

The ever-expanding impact of the AFC Enhance Programme in bringing to life the Asian Football Confederation (AFC)’s Mission of providing dedicated services to maximise the potential of its members continued its strong momentum today after the AFC Development Committee for the 2023 to 2027 term approved several proposals at its first meeting in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Led by Chairperson Yasser H. Almisehal, the Committee received a comprehensive update on the AFC Enhance Programme Regulations and approved the applications from the Qatar Football Association, the Lebanese Football Association, The Football Association of Thailand, Tajikistan Football Federation, Lao Football Federation, The Football Association of Hong Kong, China Limited as well as the AFC Enhance Programme – Extra-Time proposal from The Kyrgyz Football Union.

Most notably, the Committee was pleased to recognise the game-changing footprint of the AFC Enhance Programme in transforming the standards of Asian football with as many as 34 AFC Member Associations (MAs) poised to benefit from the breakthrough programme and close to USD20m in funding approved in 2023.
 
Likewise, members of the Committee were informed that 17 MAs have applied for the AFC Enhance Member Association Programme – Advantage, with another six MAs requesting assistance under the Extra-Time Programme.
 
Similarly, all five of the AFC’s Regional Associations have applied for the Enhance Programme, with more than USD2.1m in funding approved from 2021 till present.
 
Underlining the Confederation’s commitment towards enhancing the capabilities of Asia’s future football leaders, the landmark initiatives under the AFC Academic Centre of Excellence (ACE) was also hailed by the Committee.
 
Close to 250 participants have graduated from the groundbreaking AFC Football Management Certificate and AFC Football Management Diploma programmes since their inauguration in September 2021.
 
At the same time, the AFC ACE’s latest initiatives – the AFC Certificate in Football Leadership and the AFC Certificate in Child Safeguarding – have also been unanimously well received amongst the AFC’s MAs and RAs, and are similarly well positioned to strengthen the foundations of the larger Asian football ecosystem.

AFC forges new exclusive commercial partnership with Asia Football Group

AFC forges new exclusive commercial partnership with Asia Football Group

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) is pleased to announce the Asia Football Group (AFG) as its new exclusive commercial partner for the 2023-2028 term with immediate effect in a strategic decision to further solidify and enhance the Confederation’s financial sustainability. 

The Dubai-registered AFG have been selected as the dedicated partner for the AFC to achieve its ambitions and drive the sport's growing commercial success across the world, with the partnership enabling the Confederation to secure its financial future and set the stage for the continued growth and development of football in Asia.

The new commercial arrangement with AFG has been put in place after the evaluation and consideration of proposals from potential partners, with the AFC Executive Committee concluding that AFG’s expertise and vision not only align with the AFC’s wider objectives, but also ensure the continuity of service during this period to the AFC, its commercial partners and football stakeholders.

AFG are an integrated sports marketing agency highly experienced in delivering the full spectrum of services and achieving various business outputs, reinforcing the assurance of a smooth transition from the AFC’s previous commercial partners.

The new commercial deal enables the AFC to continue its investment into its Member Associations and Regional Associations, deliver all its popular competitions, grow its fanbase, and cultivate a flourishing football community across the Continent.

The AFC looks forward to a fruitful collaboration with AFG in the confidence that the partnership will take the game to new heights, continuing the Asian football success story.

AFC Champions League™ paves way for PMAs to realise VAR ambitions

AFC Champions League™ paves way for PMAs to realise VAR ambitions

Kuala Lumpur: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC)’s continuous efforts to empower its Member Associations (MAs) reached a significant milestone when the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system was introduced to the AFC Champions League™ 2023/24 Group Stage matches for the first time earlier this week. 

Implemented from the Knockout Stage since 2020, the 2023/2024 edition will mark the fourth instance of the AFC employing the use of the technology in the competition. 

With several of the Confederation’s MAs, namely, the Islamic Republic of Iran (IR Iran), Philippines, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan, embracing the technology for the first time, and Hong Kong, China set to implement VAR on 4 October, 2023, the total number of MAs who have adopted VAR in AFC Club Competitions since its introduction in the 2020 edition of the AFC Champions League™ now stands at 21. 
 
Recognising the potential challenges that may arise in the process, the AFC has provided steadfast support to its MAs as they integrate the system successfully, thereby upholding its Vision and Mission of making football the number one sport throughout the Continent. 
 
With the maximisation of the capabilities of its Members lying at the heart of the AFC's efforts, the Confederation lent its helping hand in various ways, including financing the installation of the VAR system in stadiums and organising multiple workshops and seminars, such as the AFC Football Technology Conference 2023, which allowed representatives from the AFC MAs to engage in knowledge-sharing exercises and enhance their understanding of VAR technology.
 
Similarly, the AFC also conducted several workshops for VAR Information Officers (VIOs) to ensure familiarity with the technology and its application. The VIOs were then deployed to assist in the implementation of VAR, particularly in regions where the system made its debut.
 
Moreover, the Confederation also partnered with several leading technology providers in order to offer solutions and guidelines on specific technical arrangements that are required for the seamless setting up of the VAR system in stadiums, in line with the rules and guidelines set by FIFA. 
 
With the curtain coming down on the competition in its current form this season, the introduction of the VAR system from the Group Stage of the AFC’s marquee club competition marks yet another indication of the Confederation’s resolve in taking Asian football to even greater heights in the coming years.

AFC terminates exclusive commercial partnership with FMA

AFC terminates exclusive commercial partnership with FMA

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has terminated its exclusive commercial partnership with Football Marketing Asia (FMA) with immediate effect.

The AFC's decision takes into careful consideration the new challenges and opportunities presented by the rapidly evolving post-pandemic commercial environment.

The now terminated commercial deal, which was signed in 2018, gave FMA (then known as DDMC Fortis) the exclusive rights to market the AFC’s commercial properties for the 2021-2028 cycles. 

The end of the exclusive partnership with FMA enables the AFC to explore new opportunities and collaborations that are better aligned with the current conditions, while securing its financial future for the long-term success of Asian football.

The AFC is now in the process of appointing a new exclusive commercial partner for the 2023-2028 term with more details to be announced in due course.

 

UAE Pro League holds Child Safeguarding workshop

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Abu Dhabi: The UAE Pro League organised its first workshop for the newly appointed Club Safeguarding Officers (CSO) as part of the second phase of its child safeguarding initiative to ensure children continue to play football in a safe environment. 

CAS dismisses appeal filed by UAE Football Association

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Lausanne: The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has issued its decision in the arbitration procedure between the United Arab Emirates Football Association (UAEFA), the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and the Qatar Football Association (QFA).

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