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New AFC Empowering Women in Football Programme graduates ready to make mark

Thu, 08 Oct, 2026

New AFC Empowering Women in Football Programme graduates ready to make mark

Kuala Lumpur: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) today celebrated the second graduating batch of its AFC Empowering Women in Football Programme (AEWFP) in the latest milestone for the advancement of female leadership on the Continent.

Taking place over six months, the online initiative equipped the 30 graduates with pertinent information and practical insights to better navigate the global football environment, promote gender diversity, equity and inclusion, as well as lay out ethical, strategic and collaborative approaches that aim to overcome industry-related barriers.

Alrajhi Bank named Official Global Supporter of AFC Club Competitions

Wed, 07 Oct, 2026

Alrajhi Bank named Official Global Supporter of AFC Club Competitions

Kuala Lumpur: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) today announced Alrajhi Bank as an Official Global Supporter of the AFC Champions League Elite™, AFC Champions League Two™ and AFC Women's Champions League™, covering the 2026–2029 cycle in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The partnership builds on Alrajhi Bank's existing association as an Official Regional Partner of the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™.

Across the 2026–2029 cycle, Alrajhi Bank will deliver a series of fan engagement activations for supporters in Saudi Arabia. These initiatives include the Official Coin Toss, a Player Escort Kids programme, exclusive stadium experiences and digital activations at selected matches, which aims to bring fans closer to the action at every stage of the competition. Together, these initiatives reflect Alrajhi Bank’s commitment to ensuring  fans are at the centre of Asian club football's biggest moments, season after season.

AFC Social Responsibility Committee outlines vision for youth protection and community growth

Tue, 06 Oct, 2026

AFC Social Responsibility Committee outlines vision for youth protection and community growth

Kuala Lumpur: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Social Responsibility Committee (SRC) charted a transformative course for global collaboration, transparency, and child and youth protection at its fourth meeting held virtually today, reinforced by the approval of a new initiative with the Dignity for Children Foundation.

Underlining the Committee’s commitment to purposeful action, the landmark “Football for Dignity” programme was formally approved to drive cross-community inclusion and education over the next three years (January 2027-December 2029).

Visa expands AFC partnership to support Asia’s top club competitions through to 2029

Mon, 05 Oct, 2026

Visa expands AFC partnership to support Asia’s top club competitions through to 2029

Kuala Lumpur: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) today announced Visa as an Official Global Supporter of the AFC Champions League Elite™, AFC Champions League Two™ and AFC Women's Champions League™, spanning the 2026-2029 cycle.

The worldwide partnership extends Visa's relationship with the AFC and brings its global payment services expertise to Asia’s leading club competitions, helping enhance access and convenience for fans across the region.

Hanoi recommended as host of the 9th AFC Medical Conference

Fri, 02 Oct, 2026

Hanoi recommended as host of the 9th AFC Medical Conference

Kuala Lumpur: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Medical Committee today announced a series of landmark advancements for sports science in Asia during its sixth meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, including recommending the Vietnam Football Federation as the Host Association for the prestigious AFC Medical Conference in 2027 alongside the implementation of new safety heading protocols for children.

The decision brings the flagship event to Vietnam for the very first time, with the vibrant capital Hanoi proposed as the host city in 2027, when the ninth edition of the conference will look to build on the momentum of the recently concluded eighth iteration in Kuala Lumpur, which drew a record of more than 800 international sports medicine professionals.

#U17WAC Qualifiers cast sets sights on China 2027

Thu, 01 Oct, 2026

#U17WAC Qualifiers cast sets sights on China 2027

Kuala Lumpur: A record number of teams will kickstart their mission to reach the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup China 2027™ on October 5 (Monday), 2026.

The cast of 29 is the largest-ever to be assembled for a Qualifiers—one more than the previous high of 28 for 2019—and will contend for the eight available berths at the 11th edition of the Finals.

100 days to go: Saudi Arabia ready for #AsianCup2027

Tue, 29 Sep, 2026

100 days to go: Saudi Arabia ready for #AsianCup2027

Riyadh: Today marks the latest milestone for the grandest-ever edition of Asia’s crown jewel as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia gears up to play host for the first time in tournament history.

With 100 days to go until the opening match of the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ on January 7, the Local Organising Committee (LOC) and the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) confirmed that preparations have transitioned from the planning phase to full operational status for the 19th iteration of the showpiece.

OCAC praises #AsianCup2027 preparations as operational milestones accelerate

Tue, 29 Sep, 2026

OCAC praises #AsianCup2027 preparations as operational milestones accelerate

Kuala Lumpur: With 100 days to go until the highly anticipated AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™, the Organising Committee for the AFC Asian Cup (OCAC) today applauded the major operational milestones achieved as preparations enter their final readiness phases.

Chairing the fifth meeting, held virtually, Chairperson Mariano V. Araneta, Jr. expressed high praise for the significant progress made by the Local Organising Committee (LOC) and the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) in setting new benchmarks of excellence for the Continent’s premier men’s tournament.

KHUZAMA unveiled as Official Match Ball of AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™

Tue, 29 Sep, 2026

KHUZAMA unveiled as Official Match Ball of AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™

Kuala Lumpur: With the 100-day countdown officially underway, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and KELME today officially introduced KHUZAMA – the Official Match Ball for the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™, taking place from January 7 to February 5, 2027.

Named after the resilient wild lavender that blooms across Saudi Arabia, KHUZAMA draws inspiration from the dramatic moment the landscape transforms as the flowers blossom in unison. The distinctive violet hue reflects the traditional ceremonial colour used to welcome honoured guests, symbolising the warm hospitality extended to every team, official, and fan attending the Continental showpiece.

Shaikh Salman commends DPR Korea on valiant FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup campaign

Mon, 28 Sep, 2026

Shaikh Salman commends DPR Korea on valiant FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup campaign

Kuala Lumpur: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President, Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, has praised DPR Korea for their exceptional performances and elite sportsmanship following a narrow 4-3 defeat on penalties to Spain after a 0-0 deadlock at full-time in the Final of the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup Poland 2026 on Sunday.

While the reigning Asian youth champions narrowly missed out on defending their crown, it could not overshadow a historic milestone: DPR Korea captured the world's attention by setting an all-time tournament record of 13 consecutive victories stretching back to their 2024 triumph in Colombia, eclipsing Germany’s long-standing mark of 12 straight wins.

Record 76 match officials confirmed for AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™

Thu, 24 Sep, 2026

Record 76 match officials confirmed for AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™

Kuala Lumpur: The countdown to the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ reached a significant milestone on Thursday with the confirmation of the largest-ever contingent of match officials in the competition’s history.

The 76-strong line-up features 24 referees and 41 assistant referees, who will be joined by 11 Video Match Officials (VMOs).

AFC Media & Communications Committee applauds continued growth of AFC digital assets

Wed, 09 Sep, 2026

AFC Media & Communications Committee applauds continued growth of AFC digital assets

Kuala Lumpur: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) reinforced its drive towards strengthening and scaling its digital global fanbase and ecosystem at the 4th AFC Media & Communications Committee Meeting held virtually today.

Led by Chairperson Ganbaatar Amgalanbaatar, members were provided with comprehensive updates of the Confederation’s determined efforts to expand the reach and visibility of Asian football through its digital platforms.