More than 200 participants joined the AFC Anti-Doping Webinar 2021 that gave an overview of the worldwide anti-doping framework in football while participants were also briefed on substances which are prohibited and often abused in Asia.

Epidemiological and Public Health Experts will be tasked to provide the AFC with expert advice on the current pandemic and establish recommendations and guidance in the management and prevention of the infection.

Leading the discussions at its third meeting, Chairperson Dato’ Dr. Gurcharan Singh said: “The COVID-19 pandemic has been the toughest crisis in modern history, and it is crucial that we continue to support our Member Associations and provide important professional advice to the AFC.

“Through the AFC COVID-19 Advisory Expert Group, the AFC will not only ensure our competitions continue to implement the highest medical protocols, providing greater clarity and offer advice as well as assistance during these unprecedented times.”

Working in close co-operation with the Qatar Football Association (QFA), the Qatari Authorities, especially the medical teams, and the Local Organising Committee (LOC), the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) conducted 12,139 tests between November 9 and December 19, 2020 and no positive tests were recorded among those in the bio-secure bubble.

The quartet are among nine Medical Officers including Doping Control Officers working behind the scenes to ensure the safety of players and officials at the AFC Champions League (East) in Doha, Qatar.

Aspetar will now be part of the network of established medical centres under the AFC Medical Centre of Excellence which was launched in 2018 to provide better healthcare for the Continent’s footballers by recognising medical centres in Asia which demonstrate leadership in clinical research and education expertise as well as injury-prevention and management measures.

AFC President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa said: “The AFC’s Vision and Mission has set out our objectives to ensure the success of our teams, players and officials and sports medicine plays an important role in this journey.

Dr. Peechalerm Pisanusan of Thailand, Dr. Yosif Husain of Kuwait, Joanna Ammar of Lebanon and Chhador Zangmo of Bhutan were the latest participants to join the one-week programme aimed at enhancing their knowledge and expertise in sports medicine.

A total of 58 participants from 22 Member Associations gathered for the course which was held in the South Asian nation for the first time with medical practitioners using the platform to exchange ideas and obtain insights from Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and FIFA speakers.