AFC underlines importance of safety and security across all AFC Competitions

Thu, 03 Aug, 2023

AFC underlines importance of safety and security across all AFC Competitions

Kuala Lumpur: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) today concluded the AFC Safety & Security Officer Workshop 2023, which reinforced the overall safety at events and venues as a key component of the AFC’s Vision of staging world-class competitions.

Last held physically in 2019, the two-day workshop was aimed at addressing the changes and growing complexities of managing security-related issues in a post-pandemic era where a constant schedule of events and competitions is the norm. 

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It’s My Game: The meteoric rise of Palestine’s Heba Saadieh

Wed, 02 Aug, 2023

It’s My Game: The meteoric rise of Palestine’s Heba Saadieh

In this episode of “It’s My Game”, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) shares the inspiring story of Heba Saadieh, the Palestinian referee who has carved a niche for herself on the global stage. 

Saadieh, who has been a mainstay in the AFC’s roster of match officials, created history yesterday when she took the field as an assistant referee in the Group Stage match between China and England at the ongoing FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023, making her the first Palestinian, male or female, to officiate at the global showpiece. 

“Rehabilitation Through Football” continues to impact lives in Nepal

Wed, 02 Aug, 2023

“Rehabilitation Through Football” continues to impact lives in Nepal

Kathmandu: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC)’s consistent efforts to harness the power of the beautiful game to strengthen the communities of its Member Associations (MAs) was further underlined when the “Prison Football, Rehabilitation Through Football” programme, which was launched in Nepal last year, successfully concluded in July 2023. 

Supported by the AFC Dream Asia Foundation (ADAF), the programme was a three-way collaborative effort between the AFC, the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) and the Shelter Ashraya Nepal (SAN), a non-governmental organisation, committed to creating sustainable change and empowering vulnerable communities in Nepal. 

Pressure on Australia in last-16 clash: Denmark coach

Wed, 02 Aug, 2023

Pressure on Australia in last-16 clash: Denmark coach

Perth: Lars Sondergaard said the pressure is on co-hosts Australia in front of a packed house after his Denmark side reached the knockout stages of the FIFA Women's World Cup for the first time in 28 years.

The Danes set up a date with Australia in the last 16 after a 2-0 win over debutants Haiti to take second place in Group D behind England.

Sadio Mane joins Saudi Arabia's Al Nassr

Wed, 02 Aug, 2023

Sadio Mane joins Saudi Arabia's Al Nassr

Riyadh: Al Nassr confirmed the signing of Bayern Munich striker Sadio Mane on Tuesday as the Senegal star prepares to team up with five-time Ballon d'Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo.

The twice African Footballer of the Year is the latest high profile player to join the Saudi Pro league, following the footsteps of Karim Benzema, Jordan Henderson, Fabinho, Riyad Mahrez, Allan Saint-Maximin and others.

Shui: China PR will learn and bounce back stronger

Wed, 02 Aug, 2023

Shui: China PR will learn and bounce back stronger

Adelaide: China PR coach Shui Qingxia vowed to quickly learn the lessons from the disappointment of her team’s exit from the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 after the Steel Roses suffered a 6-1 loss against European champions England at Adelaide’s Hindmarsh Stadium on Tuesday.

Lauren James scored twice for Sarina Wiegman’s side while Alessia Russo, Lauren Hemp, Chloe Kelly and Rachel Daly were also on the scoresheet as the Chinese struggled to match the technical and physically commanding Lionesses, who advance to the last 16 as Group D winners.
 
Shui’s side, meanwhile, exit the competition having finished in third place in the group behind runners-up Denmark, meaning China PR have been knocked out at the opening phase for the first time in eight appearances at the FIFA Women’s World Cup Finals.