New Match Commissioners leave AFC MC Seminar prepared for upcoming challenges

Thu, 17 Aug, 2023

New Match Commissioners leave AFC MC Seminar prepared for upcoming challenges

Kuala Lumpur: Match Commissioners (MCs) are integral to helping the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) stage world-class competitions, which are not only part of the Confederation’s Vision and Mission but also the cornerstone of development.

In line with this, a three-day Match Commissioner Seminar for new MC candidates saw them come away armed with the tools and best practices required to overcome future challenges.
 
As many as 60 aspiring MC candidates from across the AFC’s Member Associations (MAs) attended the seminar, which closed today. It included practical sessions, written and oral tests, case studies and competition overviews.

Football 4 Good transforms lives in Lebanon

Thu, 17 Aug, 2023

Football 4 Good transforms lives in Lebanon

Beirut: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC)’s resolve to utilise the power of football to enhance the communities of its Member Associations was once again highlighted when the Football 4 Good Programme successfully concluded in Lebanon. 

Supported by the AFC Dream Asia Foundation (ADAF), the Lebanese Football Association (LFA) conducted the four-month long programme which impacted thousands of lives across eight regions of Lebanon, namely Beirut, Mount Lebanon, South Lebanon, Nabatieh, North Lebanon, Aakkar, Baalbek and Beqaa. 

Lee Man's Paulissen relishing Urawa showdown

Thu, 17 Aug, 2023

Lee Man's Paulissen relishing Urawa showdown

Hong Kong: Mitchel Paulissen is hoping his two-goal haul on his debut for Lee Man will give last year’s Hong Kong Premier League runners-up a major boost going into their AFC Champions League™ 2023/24 playoff clash with defending champions Urawa Red Diamonds next week.

Dutch midfielder Paulissen claimed a brace while Gil Martins, Everton Camargo and Jose Angel were also on target as Lee Man notched up an impressive 5-1 win over Bali United at Hong Kong Stadium on Wednesday to set up the meeting with Urawa on Tuesday.
 
A place in the Group Stage of the AFC Champions League 2023/24 will be at stake when Lee Man travel to Japan and the former Cambuur playmaker will go into the meeting with the J1 League side confident after a goal-scoring start to his career in Hong Kong.

Players gave it their all, says Australia's Gustavsson

Thu, 17 Aug, 2023

Players gave it their all, says Australia's Gustavsson

Sydney: Australia head coach Tony Gustavsson urged his players to walk with their heads held high despite missing out on the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 final following their 3-1 defeat to England on Wednesday.

Sam Kerr canceled out Ella Toone’s first half opener after the break but Gustavsson’s charges couldn’t contain England, who scored twice to seal the semi-final win in front of a sold-out Stadium Australia.

Kerr calls for more support after historic run

Thu, 17 Aug, 2023

Kerr calls for more support after historic run

Sydney: Sam Kerr's FIFA Women's World Cup dream may have been ended by England on Wednesday but the forward is hoping Australia's heroics will result in more support and funding for development. 

Kerr started for the first time in the tournament after a calf injury had ruled her out of the group stage but despite scoring a stunning goal, England claimed a semi-final victory through strikes from Ella Toone, Lauren Hemp and Alessia Russo at Stadium Australia.

Wiegman living in a 'fairytale' as England reach final

Thu, 17 Aug, 2023

Wiegman living in a 'fairytale' as England reach final

Sydney: England head coach Sarina Wiegman said she felt she was living in a "fairytale" after her team advanced to the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 final with a 3-1 win over Australia in Sydney.

Wednesday's semi-final victory saw Wiegman become the first coach to guide two different countries to a Women's World Cup final, after she took her native Netherlands to the 2019 showpiece match, where they were defeated by the United States.
 
It also left reigning European champions England, who face fellow first-time Women's World Cup finalists Spain in Sunday's title decider in Sydney, on course for a notable double.

Southeast Asia’s finest prepare for Qatar 2024

Thu, 17 Aug, 2023

Southeast Asia’s finest prepare for Qatar 2024

Rayong: The stage is set for the fourth edition of the AFF U23 Championship, with the competing teams not only chasing regional glory but also using the tournament to prepare for the AFC U23 Asian Cup™ Qatar 2024 Qualifiers scheduled to begin on September 6.

The AFF U23 Championship kicks off on Thursday with the final on August 26 with matches to be played at the Rayong Stadium and the Rayong Provincial Stadium.

The tournament sees the 10 teams divided into three groups with the group winners and the best runners-up from the three groups advancing to the semi-finals.