First batch of AFC Certificate in Football Leadership graduates eager to transform Asian Football

Thu, 07 Dec, 2023

First batch of AFC Certificate in Football Leadership graduates eager to transform Asian Football

Kuala Lumpur: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) reached a new milestone in its delivery of education-based initiatives when it celebrated its maiden batch of AFC Certificate in Football Leadership (ACFL) graduates on Thursday.

Aimed at shaping game-changing future leaders of Asian football, the six-month ACFL is one of the latest offerings from the landmark AFC Academic Centre of Excellence (ACE). It follows the AFC Football Management Certificate, which recently concluded its fifth edition and the AFC Football Management Diploma, which will also honour its fifth batch of graduates later this month.

Pohang’s Kim disappointed with Wuhan draw

Thu, 07 Dec, 2023

Pohang’s Kim disappointed with Wuhan draw

Wuhan: Head coach Kim Gi-dong was disappointed that Pohang Steelers could not end their AFC Champions League™ 2023/24 Group J campaign with a perfect record. 

The Korea Republic side have been a revelation all season long but had to come from behind to salvage a 1-1 against China PR’s Wuhan Three Towns FC on Wednesday, having won all five previous matches in the group stage. 

Japan sparkle, valuable outings for Australia, China PR

Thu, 07 Dec, 2023

Japan sparkle, valuable outings for Australia, China PR

Kuala Lumpur: Japan won one and lost the other in a double header against Brazil as they stepped up preparations for the AFC Women's Olympic Qualifying Tournament - Asian Qualifiers Round 3 scheduled to be played in February 2024.

Meanwhile, Australia and China PR endured tough outings as the women’s international calendar came to a close after a hectic yet exciting 2023. 

Player to Watch: Everton Camargo (Hong Kong, China)

Thu, 07 Dec, 2023

Player to Watch: Everton Camargo (Hong Kong, China)

Kuala Lumpur: Since taking over as Hong Kong, China head coach in December 2021 Jorn Andersen has sought to add energy and goals to a team that often lacked an attacking edge; with the integration of Everton Camargo into his squad in September the Norwegian finally has both.

The Brazil-born forward has only played four times for his new team but in that time the 32-year-old has added pace and power to the right side of a line-up that will be representing the territory at the AFC Asian Cup™ for the first time since 1968.

Group J: Hanoi end Urawa's reign

Wed, 06 Dec, 2023

Group J: Hanoi end Urawa's reign

Hanoi: Defending champions Urawa Red Diamonds exited the AFC Champions League™ 2023-24 on Wednesday as the J1 League side slumped to a 2-1 loss against Hanoi FC at My Dinh Stadium with Maciej Skorza’s outfit needing to win to have any hope of advancing to the last 16.

Alex Scholz had his 10th minute penalty saved before Dao Van Nam gave Hanoi an unlikely lead eight minutes into the second half and, although Bryan Linssen equalised 12 minutes later, the home side took the points when Pham Tuan Hai converted an 87th minute spot-kick.
 
The result, coupled with Wuhan Three Towns’ 1-1 draw with Pohang Steelers, means Urawa finish second in Group J but their tally of seven points will not be enough to claim one of the three best runners-up berths in the Round of 16 draw later this month.

Fourth batch of AFC FMD graduates poised to make a difference

Wed, 06 Dec, 2023

Fourth batch of AFC FMD graduates poised to make a difference

Kuala Lumpur: Graduates of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC)’s fourth batch of the Football Management Diploma (FMD) programme today took a pivotal step towards becoming future senior leaders of Asian football and positively impacting the game.

Holding middle or senior management positions in the AFC's Member Associations (MAs), Regional Associations (RAs) and independent stakeholders, the graduates exited the 13-month online program with the skills and capabilities required to elevate football management and professional standards across the world.