Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Kuala Lumpur: The Jordan Football Association has been named the inaugural AFC ‘Developing’ Member Association of the Year.
The prestigious award is given to a Member Association in recognition of its professional administration and governance as well its exceptional contribution to the development and promotion of the game at all levels within their country.
Jordan Football Association President HRH Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein received the award from AFC Executive Committee Member Winston Lee.
“There has been too much focus on competitions and less effort made on other elements of the game such as grassroots football. We all know that countries like Japan and Korea Republic are strong because they have developed grassroots football very well,” said HRH Prince Ali.
“This award is not only for Jordan but for all in Asia so that next year all of us will develop our game even more. There’s a lot more to work on such as women’s football which also needs attention.
“During the World Cup playoffs against Uruguay, Jordan played very well and I hope we and other Asian countries will work even harder in the build up to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.”
Recognising the diversity of MA’s in terms of facilities and resources and looking to ensure that more nations will receive recognition for their efforts and achievements in developing football in their country, the AFC introduced three winners for the Member Association of the Year award as opposed to just one.
The AFC’s 46 Member Associations have been divided into three categories namely ‘Inspiring’, ’Developing’ and ‘Aspiring’. The category reflects the tier of AFC club competition the country is eligible to participate in.
Nations whose club sides are eligible for the AFC Champions League are in the ‘Inspiring’ category; nations that take part in the AFC Cup are placed in the ’Developing’ category, while the AFC President’s Cup participating nations occupy the ‘Aspiring’ category.
In addition to inaugural winners Jordan nations in the ‘Developing Member Association’ category are: Bahrain, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Kuwait, Lebanon, Malaysia, Myanmar, Oman, Singapore and Vietnam.
Member Associations are assessed and awarded points on various areas encompassing the association’s activities such as the organisation of courses and seminars, competitions, grassroots and youth development, social responsibility and special projects.
Points are also given for an MA’s hosting of AFC qualifying and finals tournaments as well as their national and club team’s placing in AFC competitions throughout the year.