Yoshida, who helped Japan lift the 2011 AFC Asian Cup and finished runner-up in the 2019 edition in the UAE, joins more than 130 Asian icons and officials from 42 Member Associations to emphasise the importance of following the World Health Organization’s (WHO) health and physical distancing guidelines.

The AFC President described the Member Associations, the players, officials and match officials, who have led the AFC’s #BreakTheChain campaign, as ‘guiding lights during these dark and challenging times.’

The 100th person to join the much-heralded campaign was Ali Mabkhout from the United Arab Emirates and the AFC has reached that number in just over 10 days – the first 50 signing up in just 48 hours to promote the messages of the highest standards of hygiene, social distancing and, where Governments have stipulated, staying at home.

The trio are among 130 Asian icons and officials from 40 Member Associations who have joined forces to raise awareness on health and personal hygiene guidelines put in place by the World Health Organization (WHO) to stop the transmission of COVID-19.

The announcement comes after the Prime Minister, Scott Morrison, revealed there have been more than one million telehealth calls relating to mental health since mid-March, as families and individuals across the country suffer stress from isolation.

The new initiative will see FFA share Black Dog’s extensive range of mental health resources across its digital properties and large football network, as the Australian football family continues to assist the slowdown of the spread of COVID-19 by practicing social isolation and social distancing.

The Black Dog Institute is internationally recognised as a pioneer in the identification, prevention and treatment of mental illness, and the promotion of wellbeing. It produces online resources, tools and apps which aim to reduce the incidence of mental illness and empower everyone to live the most mentally healthy lives possible.

More than 130 Asian players and officials from 40 Member Associations have offered their support behind the #BreakTheChain series which continues to urge everyone to play their role in the fight against COVID-19 by sharing inspiring messages across the Continent.

Iraq forward Alaa Abbas, Maldives national team captain Akram Abdul Ghanee and Timor-Leste women's team captain Nilda Romana are the latest trio encouraging millions to heed the World Health Organization’s (WHO) guidelines and to remain vigilant and calm in the fight against the global pandemic.

The widely-supported mass awareness campaign continues to extend its reach throughout Asia and beyond with more than 130 Asian players and officials from 42 Member Associations answering the call to stand in solidarity during these challenging times by promoting the World Health Organization’s (WHO) guidelines and offering heart-warming messages of hope and unity.