AFC News

#ACBeachSoccer cast to learn Thailand 2026 fate

Thu, 03 Sep, 2026

#ACBeachSoccer cast to learn Thailand 2026 fate

Kuala Lumpur: The stage will be set for the AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup Thailand 2026™ on September 10 (Thursday), 2026 when the Final Draw takes places at the AFC House in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

To take place at 3pm, the ceremony will divide the 12-strong cast into three groups of four for the 12th edition of the competition, which is scheduled to run from November 18 to 28, 2026.

AFC signs new scouting rights agreement with Catapult

Wed, 02 Sep, 2026

AFC signs new scouting rights agreement with Catapult

Giving clubs, federations and coaches access to AFC competition footage through Catapult's video scouting platform

Kuala Lumpur: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) today announced the signing of a scouting rights agreement with Catapult, a global leader in sports technology for professional teams.

AFC President underscores confidence as Asian titans eye more world titles

Wed, 02 Sep, 2026

AFC President underscores confidence as Asian titans eye more world titles

Kuala Lumpur: With Asia on a quest to secure a fifth global crown in the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup, Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa has expressed his confidence in China PR, DPR Korea, Japan, and the Korea Republic to maintain the Continent's world-class status at the upcoming 12th edition in Poland from September 5 to 27, 2026.

Asian football has historically dictated the narrative in the women’s youth game, with DPR Korea chasing a record-breaking fourth trophy. Alongside Japan's 2018 triumph, the Continent’s dominance is further underscored by China PR claiming second place in 2004 and 2006 as well as Korea Republic's third-place finish in 2010.

AFC Technical Committee proposes new Safe Heading Guidelines

Wed, 02 Sep, 2026

AFC Technical Committee proposes new Safe Heading Guidelines

Kuala Lumpur: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Technical Committee today approved the future introduction of the landmark Safe Heading Guidelines for youth development during its fourth meeting, which was conducted via video conference.

Led by Chairperson Kohzo Tashima, the Committee emphasised that the proposed framework remains in its planning stages and will require the crucial support of the AFC Medical Committee before regulatory implementation.

Big Interview with Arsene Wenger takes centre stage in Coaches Circle 16

Tue, 01 Sep, 2026

Big Interview with Arsene Wenger takes centre stage in Coaches Circle 16

Kuala Lumpur: Arsène Wenger, FIFA’s Chief of Global Football Development and one of the most influential coaches in football history, headlines the latest edition of Coaches Circle, available now on the-AFC.com.

The longest-serving manager in Premier League history, Wenger spent more than two decades at Arsenal and guided them to three league titles, seven FA Cups and an historic unbeaten league campaign in 2004.

#AWCL Group Stage thrillers to be determined

Mon, 31 Aug, 2026

#AWCL Group Stage thrillers to be determined

Kuala Lumpur: The contenders for the AFC Women’s Champions League 2026/27™ will discover their Group Stage fate on September 3 (Thursday) at the AFC House in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

A cast of 12 clubs has been finalised following the conclusion of the Preliminary Stage—which witnessed a record number of participants—on Sunday, ahead of the third edition of the Continent’s premier women’s club tournament.

Turkmenistan’s hybrid ACFAM programme graduates ready to showcase leadership capabilities

Sat, 29 Aug, 2026

Turkmenistan’s hybrid ACFAM programme graduates ready to showcase leadership capabilities

Ashgabat: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) today marked the latest milestone of its landmark AFC Certificate in Football Administration and Management (ACFAM) hybrid programme with the graduation of its participants in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan.

Hosted in collaboration with the Football Federation of Turkmenistan (FFT), the six-month programme robustly equipped its 25 graduates with the leadership competencies required to meet the demands of the modern football industry.

AFC Referee Instructor Certification 2026 sets benchmark for referee education

Fri, 28 Aug, 2026

AFC Referee Instructor Certification 2026 sets benchmark for referee education

Kuala Lumpur: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Referee Instructor Certification 2026 concluded in Kuala Lumpur on Friday, featuring three parallel programmes aimed at refining referee education across the Continent.

Held from August 25 to 28, the four-day programme comprised dedicated Football, Futsal and Fitness Instructor Certification courses, each tailored to the specific technical and performance requirements of the respective discipline.

AFC Elite Futsal Referees Seminar reaffirms commitment to excellence

Fri, 28 Aug, 2026

AFC Elite Futsal Referees Seminar reaffirms commitment to excellence

Kuala Lumpur: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Elite Futsal Referees Seminar 2026 concluded successfully on Friday, bringing to a close five days of capacity building for the continent’s elite futsal referees.

 Taking place from August 17 to 21, the seminar was attended by 51 participants from across the AFC’s Member Associations (MAs), who enhanced their knowledge and skills under the guidance of futsal refereeing experts.

AFC Match Commissioners hone capabilities ahead of new season

Wed, 26 Aug, 2026

AFC Match Commissioners hone capabilities ahead of new season

Kuala Lumpur: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC)’s commitment to consistently raising the standards of its competitions was once again underlined with the successful conclusion of the AFC Match Commissioners (MCs) Seminar 2026 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Thursday.

With the conclusion of the Preliminary Stage matches of all three men’s and women’s club competitions, the seminar came at an ideal time as existing and aspiring MCs prepare for the intense 2026/27 season that lies ahead.

Focus on FIFA World Cup 2026 at AFC National Coaches Online Session

Thu, 27 Aug, 2026

Focus on FIFA World Cup 2026 at AFC National Coaches Online Session

Kuala Lumpur: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) reaffirmed its commitment to upholding its Vision of ensuring the continued success of Asian teams on the global stage with the successful hosting of the AFC National Coaches Online Session 2026.

With the recent conclusion of the FIFA World Cup 2026 and the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ on the horizon, the virtual event served as an ideal platform for national team coaches and technical experts from across Asia to review the global showpiece and its lessons for the future.

Expanded AFC Child Safeguarding and Protection Policy to provide more comprehensive guidance

Mon, 24 Aug, 2026

Expanded AFC Child Safeguarding and Protection Policy to provide more comprehensive guidance

Kuala Lumpur: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) today underlined its unwavering commitment to protecting the rights, safety and well-being of children and young people engaging in football across the Continent by launching the latest edition of the AFC Child Safeguarding and Protection Policy.

Building on the landmark Child Safeguarding Policy that was introduced in 2022, the 2026 edition has been expanded to encompass all AFC competitions, events and digital platforms. This recognises football’s evolving environments while ensuring that comprehensive and responsive safeguarding measures are in place for any child or youth within the AFC’s Member Associations (MAs) and Regional Associations (RAs), as well as the larger Asian football community.