Record 11 AFC Referee Academy Graduates Appointed for #AFCU17 Saudi Arabia 2025

Thu, 03 Apr, 2025

Record 11 AFC Referee Academy Graduates Appointed for #AFCU17 Saudi Arabia 2025

Kuala Lumpur: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC)’s quest to uphold the highest standards of officiating reached a significant milestone with a record 11 graduates from the AFC Referee Academy being appointed as referees for the AFC U17 Asian Cup™ Saudi Arabia 2025.

The 2025 edition of the competition will take place from April 3 to 20 across the vibrant cities of Taif and Jeddah in Saudi Arabia, with 2012 winners Uzbekistan and 1998 champions Thailand locking horns at the Okaz Stadium in Taif in the opening match.

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Ajanovic’s parents propelling his Australian journey

Thu, 03 Apr, 2025

Ajanovic’s parents propelling his Australian journey

Taif: If there was a destined position for Jai Ajanovic in football, it had to be a goalkeeper with the teenage Australian custodian set to make his mark at the AFC U17 Asian Cup™ Saudi Arabia 2025.

Inspired by his parents, Ajanovic has never entertained thoughts of playing in another position although there was some form of change to how he plays the game since joining Central Coast Mariners in September last year.

Al Fawaz inspired by idol Noor as he aims for Continental glory

Thu, 03 Apr, 2025

Al Fawaz inspired by idol Noor as he aims for Continental glory

Taif: Growing up, Abdulaziz Al Fawaz admired legendary Saudi Arabia midfielder Mohammed Noor.

Now, as captain of Saudi Arabia, Al Fawaz carries that same ambition, leading his country into the AFC U17 Asian Cup™ 2025 with his sights set on continental glory and a ticket to the FIFA U17 World Cup Qatar 2025.

Wen bent on achieving big with China PR

Wed, 02 Apr, 2025

Wen bent on achieving big with China PR

Taif: Wen Zhanlin has big ambitions as he prepares to launch his career with China PR at the AFC U17 Asian Cup™ Saudi Arabia.

Wen, who is hoping to feature when China PR open their Group B campaign against Saudi Arabia on Thursday, draws plenty of inspiration from his idol Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Thailand’s Danuphon driven to excel

Thu, 03 Apr, 2025

Thailand’s Danuphon driven to excel

Taif: Familial roots is the bedrock in which Thailand captain Danuphon Buppha intends to build his footballing career on.

Leading his team into the AFC U17 Asian Cup™ Saudi Arabia 2025, Danuphon is well aware of his responsibility not only to the team but also to his family.

Preview - Group A: Saudi Arabia v China PR

Fri, 04 Apr, 2025

Preview - Group A: Saudi Arabia v China PR

Taif: Saudi Arabia will be looking to make full use of home ground advantage when they kick off their AFC U17 Asian Cup™ Saudi Arabia 2025 Group A campaign against China PR on Thursday.

Champions in 1985 and 1988, Saudi Arabia have been starved of success in this tournament with only a quarter-final appearance in the 2023 edition with head coach Mario da Silva hoping their long-term preparations will bear fruit in this edition.

Preview - Group A: Uzbekistan v Thailand

Thu, 03 Apr, 2025

Preview - Group A: Uzbekistan v Thailand

Taif: Uzbekistan and Thailand will kick off the AFC U17 Asian Cup™ Saudi Arabia when they face off in their opening Group A match at the Okaz Stadium on Thursday.

Both teams have pedigree as former champions, with Thailand winning it back in 1998 while Uzbekistan carved their name on the silverware in 2012.