AFC Congress 2015 - Latest News

The agreement, signed by the Presidents of the two organisations after the AFC Congress in Bahrain, will strengthen existing safety and security regulations, develop training programmes and help assess safety and security within the AFC Member Associations.

AFC President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa said: “Safety and security is a top priority for the AFC, a basic requirement for any football match to take place. The AFC does everything within its powers to protect players, officials, coaches and spectators across Asia. The ICSS is at the forefront of safeguarding sport and this agreement is a significant step forward in enhancing safety and security practices within the AFC and our Member Associations.”

Mohammed Hanzab, ICSS President, said: “As sport and major events continue to increase in size and complexity, I would encourage other football associations and confederations to show the same proactive leadership as the AFC in sport safety and security to confront the new threats that sport now faces.

“This partnership with the AFC represents a significant milestone for the ICSS and builds on our growing portfolio with various sports organisations and other major events rights-holders around the world. As one of the fastest growing and most diverse football regions in the world, Asia is an important platform for the ICSS to showcase our expertise, as well as providing us with a unique opportunity to work on some of the world’s largest major sport events and venues.”

As part of the agreement, the ICSS and AFC will work together on several safety and security projects, including: 

The development of AFC safety and security regulations within the framework of FIFA international guidelines.

Developing and delivering training programmes to educate security officers within AFC Member Associations, including ‘Train the Trainer’ programmes.

Developing key requirements for the security design of sport infrastructure, security operations for clubs and international matches and tournaments taking place in AFC Member Associations.

Supporting the growth of a professional network of security personnel to ensure the appointment of qualified staff for clubs, international matches and tournaments.

Reviewing current safety and security documentation and reporting tools for clubs, international matches and tournaments taking place within the AFC.

Providing safety and security assessments in collaboration with or on behalf of the AFC. 

In his opening speech and closing remarks, AFC President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa focused on unity and solidarity, as well as reviewing the main achievements of his two years so far in office, and laying out the challenges of the next four years.

The AFC President, who is now also FIFA Vice-President, paid homage to the AFC Asian Cup Australia 2015 which was recognised as a great success in all respects.  The decision was taken in 2014 to expand the tournament from 16 to 24 teams for the next edition in the United Arab Emirates in 2019, whilst the qualifying format for Russia 2018 and UAE 2019 was made more inclusive.  In club competitions, the AFC Champions League has been opened up to clubs from 24 associations, compared to 11 in the past, and the AFC Club Licensing system has been revamped.

Shaikh Salman said “Our competitions are now better, more inclusive, and more attractive.  Intensive study and discussion led to these improvements to our flagship national team and club competitions.”

“In 2014 we also launched three new Initiatives for Asian Football – mini-pitches, funding for national youth teams and the AFC Expert Pool of specialists.  These were all created to complement the AFC Kick Off programme for clubs and leagues and to provide tailor-made development solutions for the AFC Member Associations.”

The AFC President described how the confederation had been stabilised over the previous two years and how the associations had come closer together through regular meetings and dialogue.  Various good governance measures had been taken, including creating a new Central Zone, the launch of a Governance Reform Task Force and the creation of a new AFC Code of Ethics and Code of Conduct.  Furthermore, the AFC has in the past two years launched extensive integrity measures to counter match corruption.

Other decisions made during the AFC Congress included the approval of the 2013 and 2014 activity report, statement of accounts and auditor’s reports.

The AFC President also outlined some of the priorities for his forthcoming mandate. He said: “In Asia we all recognise that we need to close the gap on the rest of the world.  The next four years, and beyond, will be about improving all our levels of competition, whilst simultaneously targeting all aspects of football development, for example in the area of coach education.”

The AFC’s new Technical Director Andy Roxburgh was also presented to the Congress.

Whilst welcoming the newly elected FIFA Executive Committee and AFC Executive Committee members, Shaikh Salman also thanked the outgoing AFC Executive Committee and all 47 AFC Member Associations for their continuous support, without which such key achievements would not have been possible.

Following the Congress, a short inaugural meeting was held with the new AFC Executive Committee members.

The agreement was signed by the presidents of the two organisations in Manama, Bahrain.

AFC President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa said: “This Memorandum of Understanding, the first between the AFC and the UAFA, is great news for football in the region. The pooling of resources and expertise between the two organisations will benefit football at all levels in West Asia.”

UAFA President Prince Turki Khalid Bin Faisal Al Saud said: “UAFA is delighted to partner with the AFC to ensure we benefit from the latest information on developments at the international level. The agreement also means we have regular exchanges between the two organisations on several topics and we can inform the AFC on issues specific to our region.”

The main focus of the cooperation agreement is education through the exchange of knowledge, experience and resources. Through the MoU, the AFC and UAFA commit to promoting and establishing friendly relations of cooperation, both between themselves and among their Member Associations, serving the interest of football in their respective territories and complying with the Statutes of the AFC, CAF, UAFA and FIFA.

The Memorandum of Understanding is based on a set of shared values and principles between the two organisations:

Football is beneficial for the physical and mental health of both children and adults.

Football helps foster and promote fundamental educational and cultural values, such as fair play, team spirit and cooperation, self-control and respect for others.

Football contributes to social integration, cohesion and participation among Member Associations.

Football encourages peace and assists in developing tolerance and understanding.

Football possesses positive educational qualities that are important for the development of sport and society in general.

Football can significantly contribute to local development and the economy as a whole.

Shaikh Salman, who is now also FIFA Vice-President, was re-elected on Thursday at the 26th AFC Ordinary Congress in the Bahraini capital of Manama, watched on as Blatter used his address to the assembled delegates to underline the crucial role played by the AFC President in the positive development of the game throughout Asia.

“Thanks to the President of the AFC, who has shown a remarkable sense of organisation and diplomacy to bring back the AFC boat that, at a certain time, has been in waters that were not very clear.

“Since 2013 you have brought back this boat, and it is only justice that this Congress re-elects you as the leader for the AFC – Shaikh Salman you merit a big, big compliment.”

The FIFA President continued by outlining the key role both Asia and the AFC plays in world football.

“Asia is the biggest and most important continent in the world, and also it’s the most important for FIFA’s present and future,” Blatter concluded.

AFC President Shaikh Salman said: “I am humbled and honoured to stand unopposed for the position of AFC President and FIFA Vice-President.  I take this as a sign of your satisfaction with the work that I have done so far and your trust in me to lead this unique Confederation.”

Elections for three seats on the FIFA Executive Committee and for the 21 remaining places on the AFC Executive Committee also took place, and the following members were (re-)elected:

FIFA Executive Committee member (1 position; 2013-2017):

HE Sheikh Ahmad Fahad Al Ahmad Al Sabah (Kuwait; Zone: West)

FIFA Executive Committee members (2 positions; 2015-2019):

Kohzo Tashima (Japan; Zone: East)

HRH Prince Abdullah Al-Haj Ibni Sultan Hj Ahmad Shah (Malaysia; Zone: ASEAN)

AFC Vice Presidents (5 positions; one from each zone):

Winston Lee Boon Aun (Singapore; Zone: ASEAN)

Zhang Jilong (China; Zone: East)

Ali Kafashian Naeini (Iran; Zone: Central)

Saoud A. Aziz M A Al Mohannadi (Qatar; Zone: West)

Praful Manoharbhai Patel (India; Zone: South)

AFC Female Executive Committee Members (5 positions; one from each zone)

Moya Dodd (Australia; Zone: ASEAN)

Han Un Gyong (DPR Korea; Zone: East)

Zohra Mehri (Afghanistan; Zone: Central)

Susan R. A. Shalabi (Palestine; Zone: West)

Mahfuza Akhter (Bangladesh; Zone: South)

AFC Executive Committee members (11 positions):

Mariano V. Araneta Jr. (Philippines; Zone: ASEAN)

Viphet Sihachakr (Laos: Zone: ASEAN)

Francisco Kalbuadi Lay (Timor Leste; Zone: ASEAN)

Richard King Lai (Guam; Zone: East)

Mong Gyu Chung (Korea Republic; Zone: East)

Sardor Rakhmatullaev (Uzbekistan; Zone: Central)

HE Mohamed Khalfan Matar Saeed Al Romaithi (UAE; Zone: West)

Ahmed Eid S. Al Harbi (Saudi Arabia; Zone: West)

Hachem Sayed Ali Haidar (Lebanon; Zone: West)

Makhdoom Syed Faisal Saleh Hayat (Pakistan; Zone: South)

Mohamed Shaweed (Maldives; Zone: South)

Shaikh Salman said: "The good image that was on show at the AFC Congress is the result of the care and support of his Majesty King Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifah, and the continuous support of the Prime Minister His Royal Highness Prince Khalifah Bin Isa Al Khalifah, and the Crown Prince His Royal Highness Salman Bin Hamad Al Khalifah.”

The AFC President added that the Kingdom of Bahrain’s hosting of the AFC Congress reflects the excellent reputation Bahrain has for hosting top international sporting events, while underlining the trust major organisations have in Bahrain to be the venue for such events.

At the same time Shaikh Salman thanked His Royal Highness Sheikh Nasser Bin Hamad Al Khalifah, representative of his Majesty the King of Bahrain for Charity Work and Youth Affairs, the President of Higher Council of Youth and Sport in Bahrain, for his support in hosting the AFC Congress, his attendance at the Congress, and his speech which was warmly received by all those present.

The AFC President also thanked all the Bahrain ministries and government bodies who helped make the AFC Congress a success, something which helped further enhance the Kingdom of Bahrain’s excellent image.

Shaikh Salman also expressed his pride in all of the Bahraini people, especially those who made tremendous efforts to ensure the Congress was a success.

Shaikh Salman’s statement came at Thursday’s 26th AFC Ordinary Congress in the Bahraini capital of Manama during which he was re-elected by acclamation for a four-year term which will run until 2019.

While thanking the assembled representatives from the AFC’s Member Associations for the faith they had shown in him to continue his leadership of the confederation, Shaikh Salman reiterated two key themes that have been omnipresent throughout the Congress - unity and solidarity.

“Let us stick together for together we are strong,” Shaikh Salman said referring to the unity being built throughout Asian football.

“I have initiated regular meetings of Member Associations, and regular circular letters updating Member Associations of the AFC’s activities.  We move forward together through dialogue, not conflict.  We are closer than ever.

“We may not always agree, after all, we are 47 members in a very diverse continent.  But, like a football team with many different players, together we are strong,” he added.

Turning to the notion of solidarity, the AFC President remarked: “How have we turned a word – solidarity – into practice? 

“Solidarity in practice means that the AFC Champions League is now, as of this year, open to clubs from 24 member associations, not just the elite 10 or 11.

“Solidarity in practice means that the FIFA World Cup qualifiers and AFC Asian Cup qualifiers are now more inclusive than ever.  The team formerly at the bottom of the FIFA world ranking, Bhutan, has worked hard and made it through to now play with the likes of China – they are now included, not excluded. 

“Solidarity in practice means that now twenty-four teams, instead of sixteen, will be able to compete at the AFC Asian Cup in the United Arab Emirates in 2019.  Eight new associations can now experience the final tournament, and the development boost that goes with it.

“Solidarity in practice means that the AFC Financial Assistance Programme, or AFAP, will now be more flexible, allowing more associations to benefit directly.

“Solidarity is the fact that we are all in this together.  Large or small, rich or poor: we are a team.”

Shaikh Salman concluded by declaring that while many things have been achieved in the first two years of his stewardship, much more has still to be done as Asian football looks to scale even greater heights.

“Looking back, we have achieved a huge amount, together, in the last two years – in competitions, in development, in governance, in many areas.  But we cannot be complacent, we need to consolidate and do more,” he explained.

“I look forward to working with the new Executive Committee, and with all the Member Associations, to help Asian football reach its potential both here and on the world stage.  Together we will do it.”

Shaikh Salman’s statement came at Thursday’s 26th AFC Ordinary Congress in the Bahraini capital of Manama during which he was re-elected by acclamation for a four-year term which will run until 2019.

While thanking the assembled representatives from the AFC’s Member Associations for the faith they had shown in him to continue his leadership of the confederation, Shaikh Salman reiterated two key themes that have been omnipresent throughout the Congress - unity and solidarity.

“Let us stick together for together we are strong,” Shaikh Salman said referring to the unity being built throughout Asian football.

“I have initiated regular meetings of Member Associations, and regular circular letters updating Member Associations of the AFC’s activities.  We move forward together through dialogue, not conflict.  We are closer than ever.

“We may not always agree, after all, we are 47 members in a very diverse continent.  But, like a football team with many different players, together we are strong,” he added.

Turning to the notion of solidarity, the AFC President remarked: “How have we turned a word – solidarity – into practice? 

“Solidarity in practice means that the AFC Champions League is now, as of this year, open to clubs from 24 member associations, not just the elite 10 or 11.

“Solidarity in practice means that the FIFA World Cup qualifiers and AFC Asian Cup qualifiers are now more inclusive than ever.  The team formerly at the bottom of the FIFA world ranking, Bhutan, has worked hard and made it through to now play with the likes of China – they are now included, not excluded. 

“Solidarity in practice means that now twenty-four teams, instead of sixteen, will be able to compete at the AFC Asian Cup in the United Arab Emirates in 2019.  Eight new associations can now experience the final tournament, and the development boost that goes with it.

“Solidarity in practice means that the AFC Financial Assistance Programme, or AFAP, will now be more flexible, allowing more associations to benefit directly.

“Solidarity is the fact that we are all in this together.  Large or small, rich or poor: we are a team.”

Shaikh Salman concluded by declaring that while many things have been achieved in the first two years of his stewardship, much more has still to be done as Asian football looks to scale even greater heights.

“Looking back, we have achieved a huge amount, together, in the last two years – in competitions, in development, in governance, in many areas.  But we cannot be complacent, we need to consolidate and do more,” he explained.

“I look forward to working with the new Executive Committee, and with all the Member Associations, to help Asian football reach its potential both here and on the world stage.  Together we will do it.”

To be held at the impressive Gulf Convention Centre in Manama, the Congress will see incumbent President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa stand unopposed for the AFC Presidency.

The Congress is the AFC’s highest decision-making body, and the 2015 gathering will have the elections for key AFC and FIFA positions on its agenda. 

With the world’s media watching on, representatives from all of the AFC’s Member Associations will be in attendance along with FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter.

Besides the elections, those attending will hear from the AFC President about the current status of the Asian game and the efforts being undertaken to lift its standards throughout the continent.

The priorities for the coming years will also be outlined during the address to Congress.

During the informative and well-received roundtable at Manama’s Gulf Convention Centre, Roxburgh, who has held similar roles with both UEFA and the Scottish Football Association, touched on a variety of topics including his intent to build on the footballing foundations already in place throughout Asia, as well as the need for a sustainable, long-term vision that will help continue the development of Asian football.

“In a football sense, Asia’s potential is enormous and it is a great challenge for someone like myself to be involved in it now and it is clearly something that I find interesting, challenging and exciting,” explained Roxburgh, who first visited Asia to work in China in 1985 and who has since conducted courses in countries such as Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, Singapore and Japan.

“In my previous jobs (at the SFA and UEFA) I was a foundation builder, but the good fortune I have this time is that I am not the first. I am now following other colleagues at the AFC who have already been building that foundation. What I am trying to do is to continue that evolutionary process and add a bit more to those foundations.”

Roxburgh while highlighting the need to continue the AFC’s commitment to developing football at the grassroots level, added: “We need (in Asia) to have top leagues, top players, top coaches and better results. But how do you do that?

“Where the job of the coach is to win the next game, the job of the Technical Director is to win the next ten years. It is more about tomorrow. Of course, we will support and try to help those in the frontline today, but of equal importance for the Technical Director is the future.

“Coach education and player development are key elements. You design your way forward, you design youth programmes as grassroots development is vital. You must have an organised grassroots programme, you must then have appropriate league and youth programmes and then you have the icing in the cake which is the top level professionals.

“The training of the coaches and the youth and grassroots programmes that are in place are vital for the long-term health of the game (in Asia).” 

During his time with Europe’s governing body, the former Scotland manager is credited with, among other things, setting up the framework for the UEFA Convention on the Mutual Recognition of Coaching Qualifications and initiating the UEFA Grassroots Charter which urged UEFA members to invest more in grassroots football.

In addition, Roxburgh, who famously guided Scotland to the 1992 European Championships for the first time and the 1990 FIFA World Cup, has worked closely with FIFA as a member of its Technical Committee, as well as a FIFA instructor, and as a member of the Technical Study Group at six FIFA World Cups.

The Congress is the AFC’s highest decision-making body, and the 2015 gathering will have the elections for key AFC and FIFA positions on its agenda.  It will be held be held at the Gulf Convention Centre in Manama,  

Representatives from all of the AFC’s Member Associations will be in attendance along with FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter.

Over 100 accredited members of the media are also set to be present in Bahrain for the eagerly anticipated Congress which will see incumbent President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa stand unopposed for the AFC Presidency.

Also present at the reception were Bahrain Minister of Youth and Sport Mr Haydar Al Jodar, Bahrain Olympic Committee General Secretary Abdelrahman Askar, and Bahrain Football Association President Shaikh Ali bin Khalifa Al Khalifa.

Sheikh Salman wished Sheikh Ahmad a pleasant stay in Bahrain, and praised both his efforts to develop the international Olympic movement and his contributions to the development of Asian sport during his stewardship of the OCA.

Sheikh Ahmad expressed his delight at being in Bahrain to attend the AFC Congress and took time out to praise Shaikh Salman for uniting Asia’s footballing family and his commitment to raising standards.

The two parties also discussed several issues related to Asian football, as well as the potential for future cooperation between the AFC and the OCA.