East Asia Leagues Wrap: New leaders in Mongolia; Guangzhou go further ahead

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

East Asia Leagues Wrap: New leaders in Mongolia; Guangzhou go further ahead

Kuala Lumpur: East Asia brought plenty of excitement in the latest edition of our weekly focus on the domestic action across the regions.

With few ties in Korea Republic and Japan in their latest round of fixtures, we focus on Mongolia, China PR and Chinese Taipei where there is significant movement at the top of their respective standings.

Transfer watch: All of Asia's moves

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Transfer watch: All of Asia's moves

Kuala Lumpur: With the transfer window set to close soon, teams are bolstering their ranks with various national leagues kicking off over the coming days. 

The-AFC.com highlights the ins and outs across the Continent.

Vermaelen signs for Vissel Kobe

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Vermaelen signs for Vissel Kobe

Kobe: Belgian international defender Thomas Vermaelen has become the latest high profile player to move to Vissel Kobe, the Japanese club announced on Saturday.

The 33-year-old, whose contract with Barcelona has now expired, will team up with David Silva, Lucas Podolski and his former Barca captain Andres Iniesta.

Vermaelen, who is reported to have turned down an offer to join Vincent Kompany at Anderlecht, passed his medical and visited the club's training complex.

Terry Butcher lands defensive role at China's Guangzhou R&F

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Terry Butcher lands defensive role at China's Guangzhou R&F

Shanghai: Terry Butcher has joined the coaching staff of Guangzhou R&F with the Chinese club hoping that the former England captain can help strengthen their defence.

The 60-year-old, who won 77 caps and had a reputation as a no-nonsense centre-back in his playing days, has been made defensive coach for the Chinese Super League (CSL) side.

He joins head coach Dragan Stojkovic, the former Yugoslav great under whom R&F have forged a reputation for attacking football - but also conceding goals.

R&F are mid-table in the CSL but have shipped 45 goals in 19 games, the worst defensive record in the league.

AFC Asian Cup China 2023 kick off meeting starts in Beijing

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

AFC Asian Cup China 2023 kick off meeting starts in Beijing

Beijing: The journey to the next edition of Asia’s pinnacle stage passed a significant milestone on Thursday after the kick off meeting for the AFC Asian Cup China 2023 was held in the capital, Beijing.

The AFC delegation, led by the AFC General Secretary Dato’ Windsor John, met with the country’s top sports officials including H.E. Gou Zhongwen, Minister of General Administration of Sport of the People’s Republic of China and H.E. Du Zhaocai, Vice-Minister of General Administration of Sport of the People’s Republic of China and one of the AFC’s five representatives on the FIFA Council.

Dato Windsor re-affirmed the Asian football family’s confidence in China’s ability to stage an exceptional AFC Asian Cup in 2023, before outlining the AFC’s Vision, Mission, expectations, as well as key deliverables for the upcoming tournament.

Mongolia ready to continue making history

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Mongolia ready to continue making history

Ulaanbaatar: Mongolia will face their toughest challenge yet following the result of the Asian Qualifiers draw for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and AFC Asian Cup China 2023 but the Blue Wolves are determined to continue charting history.

Head coach Michael Weiss’ side will be making their first-ever appearance in the second round of the Asian Qualifiers with Japan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan and Myanmar to contend with in Group F.

Despite being in unfamiliar territory, Weiss is relishing the prospect of meeting heavyweights such as four-time AFC Asian Cup champions Japan.

Spurs boss Pochettino hails 'icon' Son

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Spurs boss Pochettino hails 'icon' Son

Shanghai: Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino has heaped praise on Son Heung-min and said he regarded the Korea Republic star as Asia's answer to David Beckham.

The 27-year-old forward is undoubtedly the focus of attention for fans in Shanghai, where Spurs play Premier League rivals Manchester United in a friendly on Thursday.

Pochettino's side, beaten by Liverpool in the final of the 2018-19 UEFA Champions League, arrived in China PR from Singapore, where Son was similarly feted.