Media Releases - Latest News

AFC Associations Committee strengthens good governance and professional standards

Tue, 02 Dec, 2025

AFC Associations Committee strengthens good governance and professional standards

Kuala Lumpur: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC)’s continued strides towards upholding its cherished values of good governance and professionalism were further underlined by the AFC Associations Committee at its third meeting held virtually on Friday.

At the outset, Chairperson Hachem Haidar singled out the landmark Guidelines on Principles of Good Governance for Regional Associations’ (RAs) Statutes, which have been strategically introduced with the aim of ensuring the democratic, fair, transparent, and financially responsible functioning of the AFC's five RAs.

First-ever AFC Women’s Asian Cup™ mascot unveiled

Fri, 05 Dec, 2025

First-ever AFC Women’s Asian Cup™ mascot unveiled

Gold Coast: With less than 100 days to go, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and the Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ today unveiled the first-ever official mascot in the history of the competition: Naara, the fire horse.

Introduced to fans amid festivities celebrating International Volunteers’ Day in Gold Coast, the milestone follows the launch of WAVEMAKER, the tournament’s first-ever bespoke match ball created by Kelme, further underscoring the AFC’s commitment to setting new benchmarks for the Continent’s premier women’s national team competition.

Inaugural AFC Integrity Education Programme 2025 enhances MA and RA capabilities

Thu, 27 Nov, 2025

Inaugural AFC Integrity Education Programme 2025 enhances MA and RA capabilities

Kuala Lumpur: The Asian Football Confederation’s steadfast resolve to safeguard the integrity of football on the Continent was once again underlined with the successful completion of the AFC Integrity Education Programme 2025 on Thursday.

The programme, which commenced in March 2025 with a series of online workshops, concluded with a two-day on-site event at AFC House in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where integrity officers from across the AFC’s Member Associations came together to consolidate their learning.

Invitations to Tender for AFC Commercial Rights (2029-2036 cycle) to commence on December 15, 2025

Mon, 10 Nov, 2025

Invitations to Tender for AFC Commercial Rights (2029-2036 cycle) to commence on December 15, 2025

Kuala Lumpur: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) will commence a tender process on Monday, December 15, 2025 for the sale of all commercial rights and fulfillment of associated commercial services relating to the AFC’s National Team and Club competitions for the next two rights cycles between 2029 and 2036.

CommBank announced as Official Regional Partner of AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™

Tue, 25 Nov, 2025

CommBank announced as Official Regional Partner of AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™

Sydney: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) is proud to announce Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CommBank) as the Official Regional Partner of the upcoming AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™. This milestone partnership underscores CommBank’s commitment to supporting football and fostering community engagement across Australia and the wider Asian region.

As part of the partnership, CommBank will have the exclusive opportunity to run a promotion to select kids who will have the exciting prospect of accompanying players during the march-in at the pre-match ceremony for each game of the tournament, which is scheduled to take place from March 1 to 21.

Barbican announced as Official Global Supporter of AFC club competitions 2025/26 season

Fri, 21 Nov, 2025

Barbican announced as Official Global Supporter of AFC club competitions 2025/26 season

Kuala Lumpur: Barbican, a leading non-alcoholic malt beverage brand, has renewed its partnership with the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) as the Official Global Supporter of the AFC club competitions for the 2025/26 season. This continued collaboration reaffirms Barbican’s commitment to supporting the growth of football across Asia and celebrating the passion of fans worldwide.

Under this partnership, Barbican will continue to be a prominent supporter across all AFC club competitions, including the AFC Champions League Elite 2025/26™, the AFC Champions League Two 2025/26™ and the AFC Women’s Champions League 2025/26™.

#WAC2026 Official Match Ball makes first appearance at 100-day countdown

Fri, 21 Nov, 2025

#WAC2026 Official Match Ball makes first appearance at 100-day countdown

Kuala Lumpur: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and the Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ today marked the 100-day countdown to the Continent’s premier women’s national team competition in Sydney, Australia.

The celebration signalled a monumental milestone for the women’s game in Asia, as the official match ball, WAVEMAKER – the first-ever bespoke ball for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup™ created by Kelme – made its first physical appearance for fans to view up close.

WAVEMAKER announced as Official Match Ball of AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™

Thu, 20 Nov, 2025

WAVEMAKER announced as Official Match Ball of AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™

Kuala Lumpur: With just over 100 days to go to the Continent’s premier women’s showpiece, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and Kelme are proud to unveil WAVEMAKER – the Official Match Ball for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™, which will be held from March 1 to 21.

Inspired by the powerful nature surrounding Australia’s stunning coastline, WAVEMAKER captures the dynamic rhythm of ocean waves, symbolising the fearless spirit of women athletes riding the tide of progress and breaking barriers, as well as the resilience and unity to strive for excellence.

AFC welcomes Anytime Fitness as Official Regional Partner of the AFC Women's Asian Cup Australia 2026™

Thu, 20 Nov, 2025

AFC welcomes Anytime Fitness as Official Regional Partner of the AFC Women's Asian Cup Australia 2026™

Kuala Lumpur: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) today announced Anytime Fitness as the Official Regional Partner of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™, underscoring a mutual commitment to promoting health, well-being, and community engagement through the unifying power of the beautiful game, inspiring people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds across the Continent.

As part of the collaboration, Anytime Fitness will support initiatives that celebrate strength, community, and leadership both on and off the pitch. Specifically, Anytime Fitness will integrate its brand into the Official AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026™ Volunteer Programme, which will be promoted as the "Official AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026™ Volunteer Programme Powered by Anytime Fitness." The initiative is designed to provide recognition and support that fosters confidence, empowering volunteers to become ambassadors of health and wellness.

AFC announces Aveeno® as Official Regional Partner for AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™

Wed, 19 Nov, 2025

AFC announces Aveeno® as Official Regional Partner for AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™

Kuala Lumpur: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) is proud to confirm Aveeno® as the Official Regional Partner in Australia for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™, reinforcing the AFC’s commitment to empowering women, promoting health and well-being, and celebrating excellence in Asian women’s football.

A trusted skincare brand supporting athletes and fans, Aveeno®’s partnership will serve to inspire millions, highlighting the importance of health, confidence, and empowerment at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™.

Migu appointed Official Media Partner of AFC’s national team and club competitions in China PR from 2025/26 to 2028/29

Mon, 17 Nov, 2025

Migu appointed Official Media Partner of AFC’s national team and club competitions in China PR from 2025/26 to 2028/29

Kuala Lumpur: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has reached a strategic media rights partnership with Migu, a digital content company under China Mobile, as the Official Media Partner for a wide range of the AFC’s national team and club competitions in the People’s Republic of China. 

Through this multi-year collaboration, Migu will deliver extensive broadcast coverage of AFC competitions via its flagship platform, Migu Video, offering fans in China PR unparalleled access to premier Asian football content.

Shaikh Salman: Asia is ready to make global futsal history

Mon, 10 Nov, 2025

Shaikh Salman: Asia is ready to make global futsal history

Kuala Lumpur: With the Philippines set to stage their first-ever FIFA tournament, Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President, has rallied the AFC’s representatives to showcase their undeniable talent whilst underlining his confidence in the Local Organising Committee to deliver an exceptional inaugural edition of the FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup.

Set to take place from November 21 to December 7, 2025, the showpiece will feature 16 of the world’s top women’s futsal national teams competing for ultimate glory. Leading the Continent’s march are AFC Women’s Futsal Asian Cup™ China 2025 champions Japan, first-time finalists Thailand and third-placed finishers the Islamic Republic of Iran—all ranked in the top 10 globally—along with hosts, the Philippines, with all matches to be played at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City, Metropolitan Manila.