AFC President reaffirms football’s power to inspire and unite

Thu, 16 Oct, 2025

AFC President reaffirms football’s power to inspire and unite

Riyadh: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa reiterated today the Confederation’s commitment towards standing in solidarity with its Member Associations (MAs) and Regional Associations (RAs) at the 7th AFC Executive Committee meeting held in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Held just hours before the AFC Awards Riyadh 2025, the AFC President commenced the proceedings by conveying his deepest appreciation to the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) for their exceptional hosting capabilities.

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Arif, Afif and Al Dawsari eye AFC Player of the Year breakthrough

Thu, 16 Oct, 2025

Arif, Afif and Al Dawsari eye AFC Player of the Year breakthrough

Riyadh: History lies in wait for the latest recipient of the AFC Player of the Year trophy, when the winner is unveiled at the AFC Awards Riyadh 2025 presented by NEOM on Thursday evening at the King Fahad Cultural Center.

Qatari superstar Akram Afif could become the first player to clinch the accolade thrice, while Salem Al Dawsari is in the running to be the first Saudi Arabian to win it twice and Arif Aiman Hanapi is already the first-ever Malaysian nominee.

McNamara, Wang and Takahashi vie for AFC Women’s Player of the Year honour

Thu, 16 Oct, 2025

McNamara, Wang and Takahashi vie for AFC Women’s Player of the Year honour

Riyadh: A new star will be crowned the AFC Women’s Player of the Year as Australia’s Holly McNamara, Wang Shuang of China PR, and Japan’s Hana Takahashi contest for the prestigious honour at the AFC Awards Riyadh 2025 presented by NEOM, which will take place at the King Fahad Cultural Center on October 16.

A season marked by numerous milestones for women’s football in Asia, the three nominees have each embodied excellence and etched their names in history books with their unforgettable performances.

OCAC underlines importance of world-class #AsianCup2027 delivery standards

Wed, 15 Oct, 2025

OCAC underlines importance of world-class #AsianCup2027 delivery standards

Riyadh: With just under 450 days to go to the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™, the Organising Committee of AFC Asian Cup (OCAC) has today praised the meticulous planning undertaken to stage the best edition of the Continent’s premier men’s competition, which will be held in the Kingdom from January 7 to February 5.

Leading the fourth OCAC meeting in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Chairperson Mariano V. Araneta, Jr. underlined his confidence in the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) and the Local Organising Committee (LOC) to set new benchmarks of excellence across all areas.

AFC Social Responsibility Committee outlines strategic approach for more inspired outcomes

Tue, 14 Oct, 2025

AFC Social Responsibility Committee outlines strategic approach for more inspired outcomes

Riyadh: The AFC Social Responsibility Committee reinforced its ambitions to maximise the impact of the beautiful game to enrich and empower the Continent’s most marginalised communities after approving several key decisions today at its third meeting held in Riyadh, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Kicking off the proceedings, Chairperson Zaw Zaw hailed the upcoming AFC Dream Asia Foundation Conference 2025 to be held in the Kingdom tomorrow as a breakthrough moment for social responsibility on the Continent.

AFC introduces new programme to elevate infrastructure standards

Mon, 13 Oct, 2025

AFC introduces new programme to elevate infrastructure standards

Riyadh: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Development Committee today approved a new development programme, which has been specially designed to systematically strengthen the football infrastructure of the Confederation’s Member Associations (MAs) across the Continent.

Led by Deputy Chairperson Valentino San Gil, the Committee, which concluded its third meeting in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, unanimously approved the landmark AFC Equal Pitch Programme and Policy, which aims to not only enhance the development of football infrastructure in Asia but also foster the growth of grassroots and community-level football.