AFC PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

AFC News

Part 1: 10th AFC Women’s Football Day 2024 marked by joyous celebrations

Wed, 27 Mar, 2024

Part 1: 10th AFC Women’s Football Day 2024 marked by joyous celebrations

Kuala Lumpur: A series of exciting and fun-filled activities took place this March as Asia came together to commemorate the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Women’s Football Day 2024.

A record-equalling 41 Member Associations (MAs) joined the celebrations on the milestone 10th edition of the AFC Women’s Football Day, which aims to promote and honour the progress of women’s football across the Continent.

AFC Coach Education Panel meeting concludes successfully

Tue, 26 Mar, 2024

AFC Coach Education Panel meeting concludes successfully

Kuala Lumpur: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC)’s concerted efforts to raise the quality of coaching across the Continent were further outlined when the AFC Coach Education Panel met virtually on Thursday for its first meeting for the term 2024-25. 

Chaired by AFC Technical Director Andy Roxburgh, the meeting was an excellent opportunity for the panel members from across 15 Member Associations (MAs) to discuss ways of improving coaching standards in Asia. 

Latest update on AFC Asian Qualifiers™

Fri, 22 Mar, 2024

Latest update on AFC Asian Qualifiers™

Kuala Lumpur: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has confirmed today that the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026 ™- Preliminary Joint Qualification Round 2 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ Qualifiers Group B fixture between DPR Korea and Japan, scheduled to be played on March 26, 2024, will not take place as scheduled due to unforeseen circumstances.

The decision, taken in consultation with FIFA and relevant stakeholders, comes after the AFC was informed on March 20 by the DPR Korea Football Association of the need to move the match to a neutral venue due to unavoidable circumstances.
 
The matter will now be referred to the relevant Committees in FIFA with further updates to be communicated in due course.

AFC Grassroots Panel focused on increased participation

Wed, 20 Mar, 2024

AFC Grassroots Panel focused on increased participation

Kuala Lumpur: The AFC Grassroots Panel met virtually on Tuesday for its first meeting for the term 2024-25 to chart the way forward for the development of grassroots football in Asia. 

Chaired by AFC Technical Director Andy Roxburgh, the meeting was attended by 14 experts from 14 Member Associations (MAs) of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). 

AFC Medical Centre of Excellence network expanded by AFC Medical Committee

Tue, 19 Mar, 2024

AFC Medical Centre of Excellence network expanded by AFC Medical Committee

Kuala Lumpur: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC)’s commitment to ensure the optimum level of medical care for Asian players was further emphasised today after the AFC Medical Committee approved the recognition of two new healthcare providers as part of the prestigious AFC Medical Centre of Excellence network at its second meeting held virtually.

The Japan Football Association Clinic and the Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Center - Vinmec Times City International Hospital in Vietnam were inducted into the world-class pool, expanding the total number of distinguished centres to 12 across the Continent.

Shaikh Salman lauds DPR Korea on sealing second AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup™ crown

Sun, 17 Mar, 2024

Shaikh Salman lauds DPR Korea on sealing second AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup™ crown

Kuala Lumpur: Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President, has hailed DPR Korea for securing their second AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup™ title after defeating Japan 2-1 in a captivating final at the JAR Stadium in Tashkent, Uzbekistan on Saturday.

Both DPR Korea and Japan, as well as third-place finishers Australia and fourth-placed Korea Republic will represent the Continent at the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup Colombia 2024 to be held in Cali, Medellin and capital Bogota from August 31 to September 22 later this year.

Australia and Uzbekistan recommended as hosts for 2026 and 2029 editions of AFC Women’s Asian Cup™

Fri, 15 Mar, 2024

Australia and Uzbekistan recommended as hosts for 2026 and 2029 editions of AFC Women’s Asian Cup™

Tashkent: Football Australia and the Uzbekistan Football Association (UFA) have been recommended as the Host Associations of the 2026 and 2029 editions of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup™ respectively by the AFC Women’s Football Committee today at its second meeting held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. While certain formalities of the bidding process are in the midst of being finalised, the Committee has mandated the AFC Administration to confirm the award of the Hosting Rights once all requirements are met.

Held on the eve of the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup™ Uzbekistan 2024 Final between DPR Korea and Japan, Chairperson Ms. Kanya Keomany commenced proceedings by congratulating the two finalists on their commendable campaigns whilst also applauding the UFA for their exceptional organisational capabilities over the 14-day tournament.

AFC Youth Panel focuses on expansion of AFC Elite Youth Scheme

Fri, 15 Mar, 2024

AFC Youth Panel focuses on expansion of AFC Elite Youth Scheme

Kuala Lumpur: Experts from across Asia gathered virtually to discuss ways to expand the reach of the AFC Elite Youth Scheme when the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) conducted its 1st AFC Youth Panel Meeting for the term 2024-2025 on Thursday. 

Chaired by AFC Technical Director Andy Roxburgh, the meeting was attended by 15 panel members from 13 Member Associations (MAs). 

AFC President congratulates Al Hilal on setting new world record

Wed, 13 Mar, 2024

AFC President congratulates Al Hilal on setting new world record

Kuala Lumpur: Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa has lauded Al Hilal SFC on breaking the world record for most consecutive wins by a top-flight team on Tuesday. 

The Saudi Arabian side clinched their 28th straight win when they defeated rivals Al Ittihad 2-0 in the second leg of the AFC Champions League™ 2023/24 Quarter-finals at the King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah. 

Video Support System set to debut at AFC Futsal Asian Cup™ Thailand 2024

Wed, 13 Mar, 2024

Video Support System set to debut at AFC Futsal Asian Cup™ Thailand 2024

Kuala Lumpur: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) will mark a significant milestone in its quest to uphold the highest standards of officiating when it introduces the Video Support (VS) system at the AFC Futsal Asian Cup™ Thailand 2024, set to take place from April 17 to 28.

In a bid to ensure that Asian referees are well-versed in the latest technological advancements in officiating, the Confederation conducted the AFC Elite Futsal Referees Seminar in 2023, with the specific intention of familiarizing its match officials with innovations such as the VS system, underscoring the AFC's determination to provide tailor-made support to its match officials. 

AFC President expresses condolences over tragic death of Palestinian forward Barakat

Tue, 12 Mar, 2024

AFC President expresses condolences over tragic death of Palestinian forward Barakat

Kuala Lumpur: Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa has expressed his deepest condolences on the tragic demise of former Palestine national team player Mohammed Barakat.

According to reports received, the 39-year-old forward, who also played for local league club Ahly Gaza, was killed when his house in Khan Younis was attacked and bombed on Monday.

Participants benefit from MFF’s Safeguarding Workshop

Mon, 11 Mar, 2024

Participants benefit from MFF’s Safeguarding Workshop

Yangon: In observance of International Women’s Day, the Myanmar Football Federation (MFF) organised the MFF Safeguarding Workshop on March 7, 2024. 

Attended by 60 participants, ranging from coaches, Physical Education teachers, referees, as well as players, the workshop aimed to shed light on the integral role that safeguarding plays in nurturing a safe environment for youngsters to enjoy football, as well as other sports.