AFC News

Alrajhi Bank named Official Regional Partner of AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™

Mon, 15 Jun, 2026

Alrajhi Bank named Official Regional Partner of AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™

Multi-tournament partnership builds on the momentum of the recently concluded AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) today announced Alrajhi Bank as an Official Regional Partner of the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
 
As the host nation prepares to welcome Asia’s most prestigious football competition for the first time, Alrajhi Bank will draw on its national network and financial solutions to bring fans closer to the action. This collaboration reflects Alrajhi Bank's commitment to supporting the development of sport in the Kingdom and delivering unique opportunities for its customers.

AFC Grassroots Charter renews Chinese Taipei FA’s bronze membership

Mon, 15 Jun, 2026

AFC Grassroots Charter renews Chinese Taipei FA’s bronze membership

Chinese Taipei: In recognition of the Chinese Taipei Football Association (CTFA)'s continued commitment to enhancing its grassroots football landscape, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has renewed its Bronze membership under the AFC Grassroots Charter.

The virtual assessment saw the CTFA showcase a comprehensive framework of initiatives aimed at expanding the sport’s reach across the territory.

FIFA World Cup 2026 spotlight: Yusuke Araki – AFC Referee

Wed, 03 Jun, 2026

FIFA World Cup 2026 spotlight: Yusuke Araki – AFC Referee

Kuala Lumpur: A total of 25 match officials are set to represent the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) at the upcoming FIFA World Cup, which will take place from June 11 to July 19, 2026.

Ahead of their campaign on the world’s grandest stage, the-AFC.com caught up with the officials who will be blowing the whistle in the 2026 edition of the global showpiece.

#ACLElite in focus at AFC Coach Education Online Session 2026

Thu, 11 Jun, 2026

#ACLElite in focus at AFC Coach Education Online Session 2026

Kuala Lumpur: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Coach Education Online Session 2026 took place on Tuesday as part of an ongoing series of virtual programmes designed to enhance the football development landscape across Asia.

Following sessions examining key trends identified at the AFC’s youth national team competitions as well as the AFC Women’s Champions League™, this online event primarily focused on the AFC Champions League Elite 2025/26™, which concluded in April with Al Ahli Saudi FC defending their crown by defeating FC Machida Zelvia in the Final.

FIFA World Cup 2026 spotlight: Shaun Evans – AFC Video Match Official

Wed, 03 Jun, 2026

FIFA World Cup 2026 spotlight: Shaun Evans – AFC Video Match Official

Kuala Lumpur: A total of 25 match officials are set to represent the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) at the upcoming FIFA World Cup, which will take place from June 11 to July 19, 2026.

Ahead of their campaign on the world’s grandest stage, the-AFC.com caught up with the officials who will be blowing the whistle in the 2026 edition of the global showpiece.

2026/27 line-ups confirmed for AFC men’s club competitions

Mon, 15 Jun, 2026

2026/27 line-ups confirmed for AFC men’s club competitions

Kuala Lumpur: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) today revealed the list of participating clubs for the 2026/27 seasons of its three men’s competitions.

The line-ups for the newly-expanded AFC Champions League Elite™ (ACL Elite), AFC Champions League Two™ (ACL Two) and AFC Challenge League™ (ACGL) were determined in accordance with the AFC Club Competitions – Entry Regulations (Edition 2025) and AFC Club Competitions 2026/27 Slot Allocation—which can be found here and here respectively—and the list of licensed clubs.

Shaikh Salman: The foundation for Asian success on the global stage is stronger than ever

Tue, 09 Jun, 2026

Shaikh Salman: The foundation for Asian success on the global stage is stronger than ever

Kuala Lumpur: As the global football spotlight shifts to North America for the FIFA World Cup 2026, Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa has delivered a definitive message of solidarity and support to the AFC’s representatives who stand on the precipice of football history.

The landmark 2026 edition introduces an unprecedented 48-team format, paving the way for Asia’s largest and most formidable delegation to take to the field. Leading this historic charge is a distinguished blend of established giants and maiden campaigners, with debutants Jordan and Uzbekistan carrying the unified pride of billions alongside Australia, the Islamic Republic of Iran, Iraq, Japan, Korea Republic, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia.

AFC Governance Workshop strengthens FABD capacity

Mon, 08 Jun, 2026

AFC Governance Workshop strengthens FABD capacity

Kuala Lumpur: The AFC Governance Workshop concluded successfully in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Monday, marking yet another instance of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC)’s efforts to maximise the potential of its Member Associations (MAs) and Regional Associations through tailored services.

Attended by 32 participants from the Football Association of Brunei Darussalam (FABD) as well as the FABD Normalisation Committee, the programme was organised with the primary objective of aiding members of the FABD to strengthen their understanding of good governance practices while supporting their efforts towards the sustainable development of football in the Southeast Asian nation.

FIFA World Cup 2026 spotlight: Abdulrahman Al-Jassim – AFC Referee

Wed, 03 Jun, 2026

FIFA World Cup 2026 spotlight: Abdulrahman Al-Jassim – AFC Referee

Kuala Lumpur: A total of 25 match officials are set to represent the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) at the upcoming FIFA World Cup, which will take place from June 11 to July 19, 2026.

Ahead of their campaign on the world’s grandest stage, the-AFC.com caught up with the officials who will be blowing the whistle in the 2026 edition of the global showpiece.

FIFA World Cup 2026 spotlight: Adham Makhadmeh – AFC Referee

Wed, 03 Jun, 2026

FIFA World Cup 2026 spotlight: Adham Makhadmeh – AFC Referee

Kuala Lumpur: A total of 25 match officials are set to represent the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) at the upcoming FIFA World Cup, which will take place from June 11 to July 19, 2026.

Ahead of their campaign on the world’s grandest stage, the-AFC.com caught up with the officials who will be blowing the whistle in the 2026 edition of the global showpiece.

FIFA World Cup 2026 spotlight: Ma Ning – AFC Referee

Sat, 06 Jun, 2026

FIFA World Cup 2026 spotlight: Ma Ning – AFC Referee

Kuala Lumpur: A total of 25 match officials are set to represent the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) at the upcoming FIFA World Cup, which will take place from June 11 to July 19, 2026.

Ahead of their campaign on the world’s grandest stage, the-AFC.com caught up with the officials who will be blowing the whistle in the 2026 edition of the global showpiece.

AFC Elite Youth Scheme renews Japan FA’s three-star membership

Fri, 05 Jun, 2026

AFC Elite Youth Scheme renews Japan FA’s three-star membership

Tokyo: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has renewed the Japan Football Association (JFA)’s three-star membership under the acclaimed AFC Elite Youth Scheme, recognising the nation’s continuous enhancement of its youth development landscape.

Alongside the JFA, a three-star renewal was also recommended for the JFA Academy Fukushima, while FC Imabari Academy became the first professional J.League club academy to achieve a three-star endorsement.